The Controversies
Here are some of the controversies that arose from the Columbine event, as well as links for more information!
​The Columbine Effect: The term “Columbine Effect” refers to the phenomenon where the extensive media coverage and sensationalized reporting of a mass shooting or similar violent event leads to a copycat act or a “contagion effect.” There are concerns that the intense media coverage of the event, including detailed accounts of the shooters’ backgrounds, motives, and methods, could inspire individuals with similar grievances or desires for notoriety to carry out their own acts of violence. It started with the W.R. Myers High School shooting in Canada, just eight days after the Columbine shooting. Other shooters have admitted or wrote about their idolization of Harris and Klebold, including the perpetrator of the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012, and the Parkland shooting in 2018.
“We Are Columbine:” This slogan emerged as a rallying cry after the shootings to unite survivors and the community in solidarity and remembrance. It started out strong and with good intentions. However, over time, the slogan has sparked controversy and debate, particularly regarding its perceived appropriation of tragedy and its impact on those directly affected by the massacre. Supporters view it as a gesture of empathy and solidarity, recognizing the tragedy’s broader resonance. Critics, however, argue it overshadows the experiences of those directly affected and contributes to “tragedy tourism.”
Most people believe that Dylan was a follower of Eric. He may have had hesitations of committing the massacre. Upon finding both boys dead in the library, officials noted his weapon was further away from him and in between his legs. They also noticed the gun in his left hand. This made investigators wonder if Dylan’s death was really a suicide, as they have been led to believe, or a homicide committed by Eric. These rumors were denied by the Klebold family as Dylan was left-handed, meaning the gunshot wound on the left side of his head would be logical. Dylan also expressed suicidal ideations in his journal and investigators believe he wanted to use the attack on Columbine as a way to end his own life. Dylan’s own mother believes he went into the school that day intending to die. Regardless, people still question whether his death was a suicide or a homicide.
In memoriam of those who lost their lives on April 20th, Greg Zanis, a carpenter who travels the country creating memorials for victims of mass shootings, constructed fifteen crosses: twelve for the students, one for the teacher, and two for the perpetrators. While some of them saw that as a heartfelt tribute, providing solace and comfort to the families of the victims and the community at large, many criticized Greg for building crosses for Dylan and Eric. The father of victim Daniel Rohrbough took down the two crosses in protest. It is still a controversy today whether the boys should be remembered.
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The Trench Coat Mafia: The “Trench Coat Mafia” controversy emerged during the initial media panic the day of. When it was revealed that the perpetrators were associated with a group of students who wore trench coats and were informally known as the “Trench Coat Mafia,” the media ran with this association, portraying the group as a clique of social outcasts with a fascination for violence. However, subsequent investigations revealed that the Trench Coat Mafia was not a formal organization but rather a loose-knit group of friends with varied interests. In fact, the name of the group was meant to be ironic; nobody really wore trench coats. Despite this, the media narrative contributed to throwing blame at the group and accusing individuals like Joe Stair, Nate Dykeman, and Chris Morris of being part of the attack.
During the rampage in the Columbine library, a girl began praying and saying “Oh God, oh God, why is this happening?” Eric Harris asked the girl if she believed in God, and when the girl answered yes, she was killed. The girl was thought to be Cassie Bernall. Many people believe this happened, but investigators determined this is not the case. The girl who was asked if she believed in God was Valeen Schnurr, and she survived the shooting. Cassie was silently praying when Eric shot her point blank after knocking on her table. Despite this, in the months following the shooting, Cassie Bernall was labeled as a Christian martyr by her church and family, and many people in the evangelical community backed the story. A similar story is associated with Rachel Scott; according to Richard Castaldo’s initial recollection, Eric Harris pulled Rachel by her hair and asked her if she believed in God. She said “you know I do” and shot her. Richard has since backpedaled on this story, but the media already ran with it. Investigators believe neither of these interactions actually occurred.
