Court Shooting

Date: 1/18/2025

In an arbitration hearing, we score a direct hit. The employer's lawyer (DM) looks bad and calls me to the stand. I have to walk up arena stairs to take a seat in the nose bleeds. I am wearing a 50's style, hoop skirt, flower-print dress which barely fits as I take the witness seat. Everyone is watching. Pressure on. There are several students here, too, taking video for broadcasting class. DM asks me two short questions that have nothing to do with the controversy. Like he knew from the buzz in the room that I would incite rebellion so won't let me talk. The answer to both questions us, "No " The audience is disappointed. The hearing is over. They have clearly not made their case. On my way back down the steps I hear a gun cooking. There is a young man pointing a rifle in a crowded alcove to the left of the arbitrators' raised bench. Nobody seems to notice him as he starts shooting. I need to leave quickly. That is proper procedure, but I want to warn others. T tell the arbitrators to get out but they refuse. I cross the room to the entrance and whisper to a Security Guard, "There's a man with a gun!" He jumps to action as I leave through the door. The halls are full of students. As I pass them in small groups, I tell them to exit the nearest doors. I guide some of the younger children outside to hide in parked cars. There were 24 killed. Meaghan won an award for a photo she took, capturing the moment before the first shot. I am feeling guilty for escaping.