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Tears For A Town In Shock

In Littleton, Colorado, and in towns and cities across the U.S. last week, kids, parents and teachers asked the same searching question: Why had two high school students gone on a killing spree that left 12 classmates and one teacher dead and more than 20 others injured?

Grieving parents and students in Littleton looked for answers and support in prayer services and memorials. Despite a cold rain and a bitter wind, hundreds gathered in a park near Columbine High School last Wednesday. They hugged and cried. A card on a potted tree honored the victims: YOU ARE ALL HEROES.

A Day Of Fury
At 11:30 on Tuesday the suspected killers--Eric Harris, 18, and Dylan Klebold, 17--began their day of fury. They made their way through Columbine High School tossing homemade bombs and firing bullets.

There were reports that the killers targeted athletes and minority students. The boys had talked about their dislike of "jocks," blacks and Hispanics. But in their rage, they seemed intent on hurting as many people as possible. Finally, they killed themselves.

After the rampage ended, police found at least 30 bombs around the school and in two parked cars.

Dealing With Anger
In Washington, D.C., President Bill Clinton admitted that we may never understand why the tragedy occurred. But he urged that kids be taught how "to resolve their conflicts with words, not weapons."

Experts throughout the country agree. "We have to teach kids that there's nothing wrong with anger, but it must be managed," says Dr. Jana N. Martin, a psychologist in Los Angeles.

In the past two years, there have been a series of shootings in schools. Yet, figures from the U.S. Justice Department show that schools are safer than they've been since 1993.

Attorney General Janet Reno, head of the Justice Department, wants students to feel safe again. "Let us take this tragedy," she said last week, "and do everything we can to prevent it in the future."

Next: Everglades In Flame