LITTLETON — 1999 · Major Tragedy
The Columbine High School Attack
On 20 April 1999, two students attacked Columbine High School in Jefferson County, Colorado, with firearms and homemade explosives. Twelve students and one teacher were killed, and more than 20 people were injured. The attackers took their own lives in the library before police entered the building. Large bombs placed in the cafeteria failed to detonate. It was the deadliest school attack in US history up to that time and set off nationwide debate about school security, bullying and access to guns. Police were criticised for waiting outside for reinforcements, which led to new active-shooter tactics requiring immediate intervention. A memorial park opened in 2007.
- Date
- 1999
- Place
- Colorado, USA, Littleton, US
- Category
- Major Tragedy
- Case Status
- Closed
- Coordinates
- 39.6035, -105.0750 ↗
Timeline of Events
- 20 April 1999Two students attacked the school; 13 people died and the attackers killed themselves.
- 1999The delayed police response was criticised; active-shooter tactics were overhauled.
- 2000The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office released its investigative report.
- September 2007The Columbine memorial opened.
Sources
- CNN — Columbine High School shootings fast facts cnn.com ↗
- Wikipedia — Columbine High School massacre en.wikipedia.org ↗
- CNN
- Wikipedia
Source grade A: several independent sources, at least one an official record or reference work. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.