On Wednesday, September 28th, 2016, tragedy struck Anderson County when a teenage boy walked into Townville Elementary School in South Carolina and opened fire. According to Fox News, the suspect before going to the school is believed to had shot and killed his own father. Though he succeeded in the death of his father, he did not succeed in whatever his plans may have been at the elementary school. According to Fox News, "the suspect opened fire at approximately 1:45p.m. but with the help of teachers, staff members, and administrators the were able to keep this tragedy from becoming worse." He did not enter the building of the elementary school; however, three people were still injured one of which is still in critical condition. The teacher and another student who were less injured were treated and allowed to go home. The motives of the shooting are still not known, and the suspect's name and age have not been released to the media as of late.

In the wake of this tragedy on cannot help but remember when the Sandy Hook shooting occurred in 2012. How tragic it was to hear that someone entered into an elementary school back then and took the lives of innocent children for whatever the reason may have been. Though Townville was not as serve as Sandy Hook, it still hurts to think that someone can walk into and elementary school and shoot young children. Children who have their entire lives ahead of them. Children who have not even lived yet, but are not learning how to. As I saw this tragedy on Wednesday pop up on my Facebook, it just hurt to think that someone could be so messed up to even do such a thing.

However, do not get me wrong and think that I do not feel any empathy for the suspect either because honestly, I do. I do not know what he may have been going through in his life that caused him to not only shoot an elementary school, but also murder his own father. Whatever it may be, I pray that he gets the help that he needs and that the justice system takes pity on him. He could've have done much worse, but thankfully he did not and I think they should take all these things into account.

Lastly, my prayers go out to the families and friends of this tragedy that has occurred. In a time of fear like this one we need to remember what God said in Isaiah 41:10 which reads, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Though I know many fears and anxieties may be going through the minds of not only the parents of children but also the loved ones of the teachers, staff, and administrators, let us still remember that God is always with us. I pray for the child that is in critical condition, that he may be healed and recover to his full capacity. May his family feel the peace of the Lord right now, and may the feel His presence with them. I really hope everything works out for the best and we all just need to continue to pray.