Brown University shooting: Students Reflect on Repeated Trauma
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Two Brown University students, Mia Tretta and Zoe Weissman, are grappling with the trauma of a campus shooting, having previously survived separate school shootings at Saugus High School in California (2019) and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida (2018). Their experiences highlight the recurring nature of gun violence and its lasting impact on survivors.
The Incident at Brown University
Details surrounding the Brown University shooting remain under investigation. Initial reports indicate that one student was shot and injured.The incident prompted a campus lockdown and a significant police response. While the immediate threat was neutralized, the event has understandably shaken the Brown community.
Mia Tretta: From Saugus High to Brown
Mia Tretta, 21, a student at Brown University, tragically experienced gun violence before. In 2019, she was shot during the mass shooting at Saugus High School, approximately 40 miles north of Los Angeles. that attack, perpetrated by a 16-year-old, resulted in the deaths of two people, including Tretta’s best friend, and injuries to three others before the shooter took his own life.
Tretta’s experience underscores the devastating ripple effects of gun violence. According to data from Everytown Research, survivors of gun violence are at a substantially higher risk of experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that approximately 30% of shooting survivors meet the criteria for PTSD.
Zoe Weissman: Parkland and Beyond
Zoe Weissman,20,also found herself reliving past trauma at Brown. She was a student at Westglades Middle School, adjacent to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, during the horrific shooting in 2018. That event claimed the lives of 17 people and injured 17 others, becoming one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S.history.
The Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting galvanized a youth-led movement for gun control, with survivors becoming prominent advocates for stricter gun laws. Organizations like March For Our Lives, founded by students from the school, have played a key role in raising awareness and lobbying for legislative change. However, despite increased advocacy, comprehensive federal gun control legislation remains elusive.
The Psychological Impact of Repeated Trauma
Both Tretta and Weissman expressed disbelief at having to experience gun violence again. Tretta poignantly stated, “Onc it happens to you, you assume or are told it will never happen again, and obviously that is not the case.” This sentiment reflects a common experience among survivors - a shattered sense of safety and a profound loss of innocence.
Experts emphasize the unique challenges faced by individuals who experience multiple traumatic events. Repeated exposure to trauma can lead to complex PTSD, characterized by difficulties with emotional regulation, self-perception, and relationships,
explains Dr. Sarah Johnson, a clinical psychologist specializing in trauma. “The cumulative effect can be particularly debilitating.”