It Can Happen Here

Abstract

On February 26, 2016, a mass shooting happened in the quiet town of Hesston, Kansas. A disgruntled employee opened fire at the Excel Industries plant, located directly across the street from the public-school complex. Four people were killed, and 14 others sustained serious injuries. This chapter reports findings from an interpretive qualitative study conducted to understand perceptions of safety and security measures taken in Hesston public schools after the shooting. The authors conducted personal interviews and focus groups which allowed for gathering and analyzing people's perspectives. Documents and artifacts were collected, and media coverage of the shooting was analyzed. Observations regarding safety and security measures were carried out at each school building. The results showed participants hold a strong attachment to their community that sustains the belief that Hesston is a safe place. They trust their law enforcement and other community leaders to take appropriate security measures.