Editor’s Note: This essay was originally published on the Huffington Post on November 24. Josh Horwitz is the Executive Director of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence.
On Saturday afternoon, a crisis at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland came to a tragic end when student Jacob Marberger was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. Five days prior, the school had taken the unusual step of closing down until the end of the month in response to a disturbing report from Marberger’s parents.
Jacob had driven home to Pennsylvania late one evening, grabbed a rifle case, and disappeared. He was seen purchasing ammunition at a gun store shortly thereafter, but would not respond to phone calls or texts. Fearing a potential mass shooting, and erring on the side of caution, Washington College evacuated all students, faculty and staff from the campus.
When I first heard about the crisis at the college, I was deeply concerned. I participated in a panel discussion at Washington College on February 24 and was very impressed with the school and faculty. Then it suddenly dawned on me that I knew Jacob Marberger. He was present at that event and had a great deal to say about the topic: gun ownership and gun violence in American culture.
Read the full opinion piece here
Steve Payne says
I’m as pro gun control as anyone but I have to say that “America’s gun culture claimed his life” just isn’t true. From what I know there were many issues at play here. And for God’s sake. It hasn’t even been a week yet.
Joan Cramer says
I agree, Steve. It is much more complicated. This is simple sophistry. I’m on the same political page, yet this is neither the time nor the place for politics. I’m more than dismayed that the Spy linked to this really heartless piece on the day of Jacob’s memorial. What an unkind rendering of this young man, who so many are grieving, through the frame of ideology. Young people–all people–should be allowed their opinions, whether they’re ours or not. That’s what a liberal arts education is supposed to be. Liberalism is not be an ideology. It is a frame of mind, tolerant of and interested in all points of view. The salient facts are that Jacob is not here to explain or defend himself or his ideas. And that his parents are grieving the loss of their lovely and only child. Jacob was clearly a passionate young man. Love him for that, and for his humanity. And let him be.
Gren Whitman says
Ms. Cramer likely wishes Mr. Horwitz’s observations and opinions on our nation’s violent gun culture would NEVER be published. If not now, when?
R Boleslav says
Very unfortunate that the writer had to politicize this tragic event and make such wild assumptions. Shameful
Deirdre LaMotte says
Tasteless piece. For the author to flippantly spin this tragedy towards the country’s horrible gun culture is nothing but an equivocation. This was
a happy, high achieving young man who immersed himself in campus life. Harassment and bullying is emotionally wrecking. Look there and find the true reason for Jacob’s death.
Cynthia Stafford says
I agree. It would be good to know what the College’s honor code says about bullying.
Patrick Byrne says
The “Puffington Host” wrote a headline and went in search of a story. Not much different than the Rolling Stones front page story on campus rape, which ruined lives with a lie based story.
Always a puff piece written by a blog masquerading as a news organization. Always using people to game an agenda.