On August 31, 2019, another senseless act of violence took place in Odessa, Texas, where a gunman opened fire after a routine traffic stop – killing seven people and injuring 22.The shooter, Seth Aaron Ator (age 22) had been fired from his job at Journey Oilfield Services earlier that day due to a disagreement. The shooting was ended by Odessa police who killed Ator minutes later. The families and friends of the victims have expressed their sorrow over social media posts. Many believed that Odessa would be a safe place, one that was unacquainted with violent crimes like such. But with this recent shooting, many no longer feel safe anywhere- including their own homes. 

The recent popularity in the “trend” of the idea of opening fire amongst a mass of people led to the question, “How do you feel about the mass shooting in Texas?” Students amongst the Whitney Young community all responded very similarly, Emma Robledo ‘22 stating, “I don’t feel completely safe at school anymore, a place where I should consider as one of the safest places I have access to as a minor. I shouldn’t fear for my life when I just want to get an education.” Nandi Myhand ‘21 emphasized, “It’s really sad and unfortunate, and it makes me feel unsafe to even go to school. But to the same point, it’s like, it happens so often to the point where I almost feel desensitized to what is happening in America.” 

This has led to the question as to what the government will do in order to protect public spaces so all citizens must feel safe and protected. But little action has seemed to transpire. Gabriella Crapps ‘22 stated, “It is so frustrating that the government seems to not care or put in any effort after tragedies like these.” After moments like this, the people must find a way to root itself in power – to push for public safety.