27 November 2023 marked a horrific day for students in Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School, where a confrontation between two students escalated and resulted in a fatality
The conflict at a North Carolina school began as a verbal argument between two teenagers before taking a dark turn in the school’s gymnasium
A group of students gathered, actively encouraging the altercation and filming videos that went viral on social media
Teens in North Carolina school unleash chaos
Two teenagers were involved in a fight which spurred other students to join in the violence. According to NBC News, during the fights, one of the teenagers produced a knife and proceeded to stab one student in the leg and groin. The 14-year-old suspect is now in police custody. Regrettably, the 16-year-old unnamed victim succumbed to the severity of the attack. The second victim, a 15-year-old, survived the altercation with non-lethal wounds and is currently in recovery.
Who killed 16-year-old at Southeast Raleigh High School?
The suspect’s identity remains undisclosed by the authorities. The community is grappling with shock and grief, prompting calls for heightened security measures within the school premises. Despite the absence of metal detectors, it’s reported that staff members have the authority to conduct searches if suspicions arise.
What we know about suspect in North Carolina teen stabbing
The 14-year-old suspect had no prior history of altercations, complicating efforts to stop the tragedy from happening. Parents in the community are advocating for increased security measures to ensure the safety of students, highlighting the need for reassurance and preventive measures.
Superintendent Robert Taylor expressed condolences during a news conference, acknowledging the devastating impact on families. He pledged a thorough review of safety processes and protocols in the aftermath of this tragedy, emphasising the commitment to making schools a secure environment.
The incident serves as a sombre reminder of how rampant violence is in the USA. School violence, specifically gun violence, has been on a steady rise. America’s largest gun prevention organisation, Every Town Research, reports that there were more than 100 gun incidents of gun violence in 2023 that left 72 injured and 30 dead.
USA school violence on the rise
Psychologists list various reasons why teens can act out violently. WHO reports that teens can act out violently due to various factors based on the individual close relationships and their community. Southeast Raleigh Magnet School is a public institution designed to educate students from different economic, social and racial backgrounds.
Magnet schools are a part of the local public system, which is notorious for being underfunded. WHO lists poverty, high-income inequality and the quality of a country’s governance as contributing to youth violence.
ClickHub has contacted a health professional to share insights on adolescence and violence