Letter to the editor:
Wednesday a crime alert was issued by the Ohio State University Police notifying the university community of threats of violence made over an online game site. These comments pointed to a potential shooting that did not occur. The campus was notified, security was dispatched and the day came and went without incident.
I extend my compassion to the individual who posted these remarks. I can only imagine the isolation that would bring someone to express such disturbing intentions in this manner. I hope that the person finds the support that he or she needs.
I extend my sincere thanks to the individual who read these remarks and spoke up. Instances of violence are often preceded by threats and cries such as these. Networks and relationships, however distant or impersonal they may be, are the most immediate and effective avenues through which we keep our communities safe. It is through our connections with each other that we can identify someone at risk of perpetrating violence. It is only through more interconnected, invested and engaged communities that we can stop violence from happening.
I hope this occurrence can serve as a lesson and an example of more rooted and meaningful security.
Stephen C. David
Third-year in social work
[email protected]
