Content warning: This article contains discussions of suicide and gun violence.

When I first saw this story trending, I thought, "Oh great, another school shooting and nothing is being done." Then, I read the story and realized how different this story is compared to the others.

In May 2019, high school football coach and security officer Keanon Lowe was called in to help with a troubled student. When the student, Angel Granados-Diaz, pulled a gun out, Lowe did the impossible and was able to "make something good that could have been very, very tragic."

After Keanon Lowe got the gun away from the student, he pulled him in for a long and emotional hug. Granados-Diaz is seen trying to pull away from the hug, but he eventually gives in. Lowe recounted that he told the distressed student "I care about you."

The student was shocked to hear those words. He explained his intention by saying, "I felt compassion for him; a lot of times, especially when you're young, you don't realize what you're doing until it's over."

Lowe doesn't want to call himself a hero. He said that he believes he was supposed to be in that classroom and he was meant to stop a tragedy. But, in my opinion, he is a hero and he did the right thing.

This emotional story was very close to becoming horrific if Keanon Lowe wasn't there.

Ever since the 2018 Stoneman Douglas school shooting, the discussion of arming teachers with guns has been a point of political debate. But, is that really necessary? Keanon Lowe's courageous actions show us that using more violence against violence may not always need to be the answer. In Granados-Diaz's case, he was having a mental health crisis and only had the intention of harming himself. We need more teachers and school staff that will give guidance and compassion instead of running away, or even worse: shooting them without even knowing the full extent of the situation.

Keanon saved a life that day. He saved someone's son, brother, and friend. Many people can never imagine staring into the barrel of a gun, caring more about the person who is armed than themselves. But Keanon Lowe could, and he needs the recognition that he deserves.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline — 1-800-273-8255