School shooting in California prevented by student: how crises can be averted through knowing the signs

Yesterday, Sandy Hook Promise shared some great news; a credible school shooting threat in California was averted thanks to their proven prevention programs. A concerned student recognized the warning signs of potential violence and submitted a tip through the "Say Something" Anonymous Reporting System—an SHP-supported tool that empowers students to speak up when they see signs of danger.

Crisis averted: Thanks to a student sending an anonymous tip, California law enforcement were able to prevent an act of mass violence.

The tip was flagged as “life-threatening,” prompting an immediate intervention by a crisis counselor and law enforcement. Authorities were able to investigate and detain the student who had reportedly made threats and had access to weapons. The situation had the potential to become a tragedy—but was stopped before anyone was harmed.

This outcome is a real-world example of how early intervention, education, and access to anonymous reporting tools can save lives. It’s also a reminder of the importance of training students and communities to recognize and report warning signs of violence.

This is the power of prevention in action. Thanks to the courage of the student who spoke up and the systems in place to respond, lives were saved. -Nicole Hockley, Sandy Hook Promise

This marks the 19th diverted school shooting that can be directly traced to Sandy Hook Promise's life saving programs.

We can’t always undo violence—but we can stop it before it starts. Learn more about Sandy Hook Promise’s programs, and find other ways to take action, at artistforaction.com. Together, we can prevent gun violence.