Red Lake Massacre
March 21st, 2005 marked the day that sophomore Jeff Weise made the decision to go on a shooting spree. The rampage took place in the small, destitute Red Lake Indian Reservation in Minnesota. It is known as the deadliest school massacre since the Columbine High School shooting which occurred in 1999.
The horror began outside of the school when Weise shot and killed his grandfather, a long-time police officer, and his grandfather's girlfriend. Jeff Weise then donned his grandfather's police issued handguns, gun belt, and bullet-proof vest. Once his necessities were gathered, he drove his grandfather's police vehicle and arrived at the high school at around 3:00 pm. As he neared the school's entrance he shot at two security guards, killing one of them. He made his way into the school and continued his killing spree, shooting with no target in mind. He killed five students and a teacher before taking his own life. It is reported that Weise asked one student whether he believed in God, an obvious reference to Columbine shooters Klebold and Harris.
The horror began outside of the school when Weise shot and killed his grandfather, a long-time police officer, and his grandfather's girlfriend. Jeff Weise then donned his grandfather's police issued handguns, gun belt, and bullet-proof vest. Once his necessities were gathered, he drove his grandfather's police vehicle and arrived at the high school at around 3:00 pm. As he neared the school's entrance he shot at two security guards, killing one of them. He made his way into the school and continued his killing spree, shooting with no target in mind. He killed five students and a teacher before taking his own life. It is reported that Weise asked one student whether he believed in God, an obvious reference to Columbine shooters Klebold and Harris.
According to fellow students, Jeff Weise was "weird", a "loner" and an all-around anti-social teenager. Weise had previous run-ins with school authority due to violations that the school has yet to release. He was a known hot-head with a predisposition to violence. Additionally, Weise held right-wing beliefs. He was a follower of the neo-Nazi movement, often posting on websites under the screen name "Todesengel", which translates to "the angel of death", as well as "NativeNazi". Jeff posted about having been questioned by authorities regarding threats to "shoot up the school on 4/20, Hitler's birthday".
These fascist and racist beliefs were shared by both Weise and the Columbine shooters. As previously mentioned, Weise referenced the famous question asked by Klebold in his own demonic, murderous plan. It may seem as though his actions were inspired by the Columbine Massacre however, personal issues may have played a vital role in this disaster. Weise's father had commited suicide years prior and his mother was in a nurisng home due to brain injuries she suffered from an accident.
These fascist and racist beliefs were shared by both Weise and the Columbine shooters. As previously mentioned, Weise referenced the famous question asked by Klebold in his own demonic, murderous plan. It may seem as though his actions were inspired by the Columbine Massacre however, personal issues may have played a vital role in this disaster. Weise's father had commited suicide years prior and his mother was in a nurisng home due to brain injuries she suffered from an accident.