Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold

Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold were the two American high school seniors who committed the Columbine High School massacre. On April 20, 1999, in Columbine, Colorado, they killed 12 students and one teacher, and injured over 20 others before dying by suicide. The tragedy sparked a nationwide debate on gun control, the role of video games and media violence in society, and the effectiveness of school security and mental health support for students.

Background

Eric David Harris (April 9, 1981 – April 20, 1999) and Dylan Bennet Klebold (September 11, 1981 – April 20, 1999) were students at Columbine High School. Before the massacre, both Harris and Klebold had encounters with law enforcement due to minor legal troubles. They were also known to create home videos, some of which included the use of firearms and explosive devices. Their writings, including journals and private websites, revealed deep-seated anger and resentment towards society, as well as detailed plans for the attack.

The Massacre

On the morning of April 20, 1999, Harris and Klebold arrived at Columbine High School armed with firearms and homemade bombs. They initially attempted to detonate two large bombs in the school cafeteria, which failed to explode. They then proceeded to shoot students and teachers both inside and outside the school building. The massacre lasted for approximately 49 minutes, ending with Harris and Klebold taking their own lives in the school library.

Aftermath

The Columbine massacre led to significant changes in school policies across the United States. Schools implemented new safety measures, including zero tolerance policies and the installation of security cameras. The tragedy also intensified the debate over gun control laws, particularly concerning background checks and the availability of firearms to young people.

Legacy

Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold have become infamous figures in American history. Their actions prompted a closer examination of the social and psychological factors that can lead to such violent behavior in young people. The Columbine massacre has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and studies, aiming to understand and prevent future acts of violence in schools.