LETTER: Teen’s threat raises issue of guns in hands of mentally ill

To Ozaukee Press:

I was saddened to read about the fatal outcome of the teen who acted out her obsession with Columbine last week.

But very troubling to me was all the coverage initially ignored the obsession as a manifestation of possible mental illness. Our country’s reflex response to these happenings – odd behaviors of one sort or another – is to close our eyes and stay huddled in our homes. And let law enforcement proceed with guns drawn.

I understand our schools must protect our youngsters and that it was verified that the 18-year-old had secured a weapon. But to me the question we as a society should be asking is how is it possible that a troubled individual acting bizarrely is allowed to purchase a gun out of state.

Jim Hajek

Cedarburg