"We Thought It Would Never Happen Again": Parkland Survivors Face New Trauma After Florida State Shooting

When Tragedy Strikes Twice: The Haunting Echo of Gun Violence on Campus

For students who survived the 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the recent shooting at Florida State University (FSU) felt like reopening an unhealed wound. Many had hoped to leave the trauma behind when they enrolled at FSU—only to face another terrifying lockdown as shots rang out on their new campus.

Key Details from the FSU Incident:

• Location: College Town neighborhood near FSU campus
• Time: Late-night gathering turned violent
• Casualties: Multiple injuries reported, no fatalities

The Psychological Toll of Repeated Trauma

Clinical psychologists describe this phenomenon as "secondary traumatization"—when survivors of one violent event are exposed to similar circumstances. Symptoms may include:

1. Heightened startle responses
2. Intrusive memories of prior events
3. Difficulty concentrating in class
4. Hypervigilance in public spaces

Campus Safety Measures Under Scrutiny

Following both incidents, Florida universities have implemented:

• Enhanced active shooter training
• Rapid-response alert systems
• Counseling services specifically for trauma survivors

What Do You Think?

• Should universities offer special protections for students with prior trauma histories?
• Does media coverage of shootings risk glorifying perpetrators?
• Would armed campus security prevent or escalate these situations?
• Are we becoming desensitized to school shootings as a society?