Arlington students are mournful and shocked regarding the shooting tragedy at Marysville Pilchuck High School earlier today. The shooter responsible has now been confirmed dead from a self-inflicted gun shot wound. As of now, there is little concrete information surrounding the situation or as to why it occurred. Rumors are spreading on social media, but no possible motive has yet been confirmed. Nevertheless, students are reacting to the information as it unfolds. The shooting occurred at 10:39 this morning; it wasn’t until about a half hour later during fourth period that it was known at large amongst the students.

Talking to senior students Taya Fure and Haley Basim, both revealed that they learned of the incident during fourth period. During this time, most of the rumors surrounding the shooting were beginning to emerge. Basim said that she first learned of the news after she received a text from her mother asking if she was fine. Fure also received a similar text. “It wasn’t until we realized people had died that we began to take the situation seriously,” Fure said. At lunch, both described the atmosphere was solemn and uncomfortable, given that Marysville is so nearby. Jeni Larson, senior, said that another student at her lunch table received texts from her friend that attends Marysville Pilchuck confirming her situation and safety. Immediately afterwards, Larson, like many others, checked her social media profiles and was gathering her own information about the situation

Josh Patao, another senior, said his fourth period class stopped the lesson. They were watching a documentary film about the 9/11 attacks when Contemporary US Issues teacher Mr. Coppenhaver ended the current lesson and began playing a live KIRO 7 news feed. Patao said he received no texts as the news was breaking. As he walked down to his lunch table with his friends, the lunch room was “quiet” and that “it didn’t feel like regular lunch,” he said.

Both Fure and Basim felt that a lockdown would’ve been appropriate only if the shooter was still on the loose. Larson commented saying that, “I don’t think we should’ve gone on lockdown. It was weird though knowing that it was only fifteen minutes away, yet we were going on about our lunch like it was no big deal.” On the other hand, Patao said firmly that “we should’ve been in lockdown because it’s so damn close.”

It is remarkable how quickly information gathers momentum on social media, Twitter in particular. Many students’ ideas of the shooting conflict similarly to how news reports also contradict each other. A victim of the shooting has been said to have died, even though she is presently undergoing surgery. The only deaths actually confirmed at this time have been the shooter and another victim at the scene.

“Their homecoming game was just a week ago… and we were there,” said senior Jared Huff. That sentiment was echoed by Larson.