Teen school shooting "hero" was just lying

by Rachel Mosteller (Subscribe to Rachel Mosteller's posts) Sep 29th 2006 11:58AM

A 16-year-old boy that has given interviews in the wake of the horrific Colorado school shootings admitted to his Mom that he made the entire story up.

The boy, who gave an interview on the Today show, said that he was in the room when a 53-year-old man burst into the room and took hostages. He said that the gunman tapped him on the shoulder and told him to leave, but he denied, saying he wanted to stay with the girls. He then said that the gunman told him to leave or get shot.

His mom has said that he told her that he made the story up because he felt badly about the situation.

"Mom, all those kids were my friends and I just wanted so much to help them. ... I guess I just made it up in my mind. I just wanted it to be true so bad," his mother repeated.

While I'm not big on people that lie, at least he decided to come clean and tell the truth. Unfortunately, the other family members of the victims might not be so sympathetic.

Comments (3)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

mamaloo 9-29-2006 @ 1:03PM

I'm guessing the lie was to coverup his obvious guilt at sneaking out of the classroom when the assaults began?

You know, it would be amazing if it were possible for him to have been in a position to help those girls, but, frankly, he did the smartest thing he could do: leave an extremely dangerous situation and get adult assistance.

Had he remained, he may well have been shot. Had he interfered, he may well have been shot.

I really hope he receives no ill will due to revealing what actually happened on what must have been the most traumatic of his still short life. Bravo for him to gain the courage to set the record straight.

ann adams 9-29-2006 @ 1:25PM

I'm with mamaloo on this one. Trauma can cause people to behave in ways they wouldn't normally.

He's embarrassed; that's more than enough punishment considering what the entire school suffered.

LS 9-29-2006 @ 3:08PM

Boys are "bred" (poor choice of words, I know) to be 'protectors' of girls. It's the way it's been throughout history, and I see no reason why it should change. But I think the lesson that needs to go with that, especially with younger ones, is that sometimes the best way to help/protect those girls (or others, doesn't have to be just the girls) is to leave and get help. You are of no help whatsoever if you are dead.

I am disappointed that this young man lied. BUT I also consider it a strong, (and yes, manly) thing that he did - to stand up, take responsibility for his actions, and say, "I screwed up (by lying). I am sorry." I don't think anyone should bear him any ill will.

This whole community, and the one I'm hearing about in Wisconsin today, are in my prayers.

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