Updated: May 29, 2018
Originally Published: May 26, 2018
The tragic events that unfolded at Santa Fe High School on May 18th, where ten individuals lost their lives in a school shooting, have led to significant legal actions. The alleged perpetrator, 17-year-old Jake Thompson, is currently in custody. Investigations revealed that Thompson accessed the firearms used in the attack from his parents’ home due to inadequate storage practices. This has sparked a wrongful death lawsuit from the family of one of the victims, Christopher Lane.
Christopher’s family claims that the negligent storage of firearms by Thompson’s parents directly contributed to their son’s death. They argue that the parents failed to securely store their guns, which were legally owned and included a shotgun and a revolver. Christopher was a vibrant 16-year-old junior and a well-loved member of the school’s football team, described by peers as “kind-hearted” and “approachable.”
In Texas, where this incident occurred, laws exist to prevent child access to firearms, aimed at reducing gun-related injuries and fatalities among minors. The effectiveness of these laws varies; some impose penalties for negligent storage, while others only hold parents accountable if a child uses a firearm to cause harm.
Legal experts emphasize the importance of responsible gun ownership. Adam Parker, a law professor, highlighted that while Texas laws may impose liability post-incident, proactive measures ensuring firearms are stored safely are crucial. Alarmingly, a survey from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health indicates that over half of gun owners do not adequately secure their firearms.
Ari Freilich, an attorney with the Giffords Law Center, noted that many school shooters access firearms from their family homes. He advocates for comprehensive policy solutions that encourage responsible gun storage among parents, which is essential in reducing the frequency and severity of mass shootings.
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In summary, the lawsuit against the parents of the Santa Fe shooter highlights the critical need for safe firearm storage practices. While legal actions may provide some accountability, they serve as a reminder for gun owners about their responsibilities to prevent such tragedies.