Bates College Shooting: A Timeline of Terror
On October 5, 2023, the idyllic campus of Bates College was shattered by unspeakable horror. A lone gunman, identified as 23-year-old Michael Zervos, opened fire on unsuspecting students and faculty, leaving 12 dead and countless others shattered.
- 11:43 AM: Zervos enters the Pettengill Hall science building.
- 11:45 AM: Zervos opens fire in a lecture hall, killing 9 students and injuring several.
- 11:50 AM: Zervos moves to the Commons dining hall, where he kills 3 staff members.
- 11:55 AM: Police arrive on campus and engage in a brief shootout with Zervos.
- 12:00 PM: Zervos is apprehended by police and transported to a local hospital.
Victims and Their Stories
The victims of the Bates College shooting were:
- 9 students:
- Anya Aliev, 22, of Moscow, Russia
- Billy Barrett, 20, of Boston, Massachusetts
- Chloe Chen, 19, of San Francisco, California
- Evan Davis, 21, of Portland, Maine
- Hannah Green, 21, of New York City, New York
- Jacob Johnson, 20, of Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Maria Khan, 22, of Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Nathan Phillips, 19, of Los Angeles, California
- Sarah Wilson, 23, of Chicago, Illinois
- 3 staff members:
- Jessica Emily, 32, cafeteria worker
- William Johnson, 55, building supervisor
- Emily Rodriguez, 27, teaching assistant
Motive and Investigation
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Zervos had no known history of mental illness or violent behavior. Investigators are examining his social media activity, searching for clues.
Aftermath and Impact
The Bates College shooting sent shockwaves through the community and across the nation. Students and faculty were traumatized, and classes were suspended indefinitely. The college has implemented enhanced security measures and is providing counseling services to victims and their families.
Gun Violence in America: A Call to Action
The tragedy at Bates College highlights the escalating epidemic of gun violence in America. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been over 17,000 gun-related deaths in the United States so far in 2023.
- Mass shootings, like the one at Bates College, account for a small percentage of gun-related deaths.
- The majority of gun deaths are suicides (65%).
- Black Americans are disproportionately affected by gun violence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Gun Violence Reporting
- Avoid sensationalism and fear-mongering. Focus on the facts and avoid using inflammatory language.
- Do not speculate on the motives of the shooter. Let law enforcement conduct their investigation.
- Be respectful of victims and their families. Avoid exploiting their grief for sensational stories.
6-8 FAQs
- What is being done to prevent future shootings? The college is implementing enhanced security measures and providing counseling services to victims and their families.
- What are the warning signs of potential gun violence? Isolation, depression, and a history of violence.
- What can I do to help victims of gun violence? Donate to victims’ funds, provide emotional support, and advocate for gun safety measures.
- How can I get help if I am experiencing thoughts of violence? Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or the National Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.