A Witnesss Heartbreaking Dilemma: Injustice and Inaction

A Witness's Heartbreaking Dilemma: Injustice and Inaction

When faced with injustice and a victim in need, many of us wonder how we can make a difference. Unfortunately, not all instances of injustice provide us with the opportunity to aid the victim. This personal narrative shares one such instance, from the perspective of a witness, highlighting the heart-wrenching guilt and complexity of such situations.

The Tragic Event

I watched my only child suffer from depression. He fought it, took medication, and sought the help of mental health professionals. During outpatient treatment, our family faced numerous challenges. Then, on Friday, December 14, 2012, at 5:20 PM, I witnessed him walk into his bedroom, which would be the last time I saw him alive. My son, who was 20 years old, had taken his own life. That weekend, tragedy struck once again when I became a witness to a violent event during a high school party in the parking lot of a rented building. It was an experience that would leave a lasting impact on me and one that I will never forget.

The Shooting Incident

I was 16 and joined my friends at a building, which was commonly rented for parties. There, I met up with my ex and we were curious about the party's anticipated crowd. As we entered, the scene was bustling with activity and music. Suddenly, we heard gunfire that sounded like firecrackers. Initially, it seemed as though it was some form of party trick or had been set up by friends for attention. However, the chaos in the room quickly became apparent as people ran in every direction, falling and screaming.

A Terrible Witness

The event was heightened when a tall, overweight white woman approached the scene, seemingly unaware of the danger. She walked slowly, her arms extended from her sides, a common gait for overweight individuals. Suddenly, she froze, her eyes widened, and her body jerked backwards in slow motion as she fell to the ground. Her death was quick, but the scene that unfolded was chilling.

People were so focused on their escape that they didn't even notice her lying on the floor. As they ran over her, one after the other, she showed no movement, no reaction, and her expression did not change from the moment the bullet hit her. Her face remained frozen, and minutes later, her features began to change: her skin pale, her eyes wide open. It was a horrific scene, with no one stopping to help or even acknowledge the woman lying in the middle of the chaos.

Complexity and Guilt

This experience left me with a complex mix of emotions. While I wish I could have done more to help, there were very few, if any, options available. The situation was so chaotic that the urgency to escape the danger was overwhelming for everyone present. The sheer number of people and the urgency of the situation made it difficult to identify and assist the woman without risking even greater harm.

The incident brought to light the complexity of witnessing injustice and the often helpless feeling when there is little one can do to help. This situation made me acutely aware of the need for better preparation and response strategies for such emergencies, especially in public spaces.

Today, I often reflect on that event. It serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health support and awareness, and the critical roles we can play in our communities. It is also a reminder of the importance of taking action, even if it means advocating for change in systems and policies that can prevent such tragedies from happening.

Think of these experiences when you witness something unprecedented or unjust. It is not always easy to act, but awareness, preparation, and advocating for support are all crucial steps in ensuring that more lives are saved and injustice is addressed.