This story has stirred a lot of emotion for me, not only because I live in Lancaster and know the area of the shooting, but also because I have a very deep respect for the Amish. I simply cannot fathom why anyone would take revenge on innocent girls who had absolutely nothing to do with anything in his life.
A few have commented questioning why the teacher didn't fight back. I would contend that even an armed teacher would not be able to respond to this sort of suprise invasion. Second, fighting back would've garanteed nothing, it would very well have caused the gunman opening fire before the state police arrived and resulted in more children dying. The teacher did what was right in fleeing and calling for help, playing hero when ill equiped to complete the heroic act is absolute stupidity.
This is a tragic act by a man who could not possibly be punished adequately in this life. Not only did he kill 3 girls and injure others... he scarred a generation of this community... and for what? His 15 minutes of fame???
I love the Amish people and the Lancaster area ... and the simplicity of their lives! I have great respect for them and how they survive with all the modern life surrounding them.
I cannot understand how someone could do something so cruel, so evil - so satanic.