Column: Three years after being shot at school, this teen has made our survival her fight
Aimee Haddad/The Star-LedgerPolice surround a teen who was shot in the buttocks on Monday, in a case that has the community on edge and prompted questions about why so many young kids are armed.
NEWARK – The latest in a spate of shootings in and around Newark is raising questions.
At least one 14-year-old and two 15-year-old teens were shot at school Monday night. Police say a 16-year-old boy suffered a gunshot wound, and a 15-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy were shot in the buttocks.
The shootings are raising questions about why so many young kids are armed.
“I don’t understand why they’re using guns,” said one resident whose own son is a police officer. “If they are armed that means they’re going to use guns.”
Police responded to the shooting and said they are investigating. They did not say why so many children were carrying guns.
A parent in a neighborhood just west of Newark city hall said his son was the only school officer in a school district with no officers – meaning students could go to any school for their education.
“We need police officers,” the parent said. “I mean my whole life I’ve had law enforcement in my life and they always told me to stay away from the bad people.”
Officers from Newark PD and schools arrived at the school at around 10:45 p.m. to help after reports that shots had been fired in the school, police said.
The teens ran out of the school. One was shot while fleeing. The two 15-year-old who did not flee took off their shoes to escape the gunfire was shot in the buttocks, police said.
Officials said they did not know the condition of the 14-year-old boy who was shot and was taken to the hospital.
“I’m shocked, I’m deeply shocked,” said student Adam Schaeffer. “I don’t know what’s going on. I don’t know why we are here. Maybe I’m looking at it wrong. Maybe this isn’t the right time
