May 18, 2025, marks seven years since one of the deadliest school shootings in Texas history. On this day in 2018, a 17-year-old student opened fire at Santa Fe High School, killing 10 people and injuring 13 more. The victims included both students and teachers.
Even after all these years, families and survivors say their pain has not faded. Many feel that justice has not been served, and the mental health needs of the victims continue to be ignored. There’s also a growing frustration about the lack of significant action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
What Happened on May 18, 2018?
On that tragic morning, a student brought a shotgun and a revolver to school and opened fire inside an art classroom. Within minutes, chaos unfolded. Students and teachers tried to escape or hide. Law enforcement responded quickly, but not before the lives of 10 innocent people were taken.
The victims ranged in age from 14 to 64. Among them were substitute teacher Cynthia Tisdale and students like Shana Fisher and Christopher Stone. The community still remembers their names every year on this date.
The Accused Still Awaits Trial
One of the biggest concerns for the victims’ families is that, even after seven years, the accused shooter has not yet stood trial. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, the suspect has been declared mentally unfit to face trial several times and remains in a mental health facility.
This delay in justice has added to the grief of the families. Many say they feel forgotten by the legal system. They want answers and accountability.
“I’m tired of waiting,” said Rosie Stone, mother of Christopher Stone. “Every year that passes without justice just deepens the wound.”
Mental Health and School Safety Under Spotlight
The shooting also highlighted serious concerns about mental health support in schools. Many believe that early warning signs were missed or ignored. In the years since, some schools in Texas have taken steps to improve mental health resources, but critics argue that progress has been slow.
There have been calls for more counselors, better communication between schools and parents, and stronger laws that address threats before they turn into violence.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a $100 million school safety plan shortly after the attack, which included metal detectors and increased security presence. However, some experts believe that mental health support and early intervention are more important than just physical security measures.
Community Still Healing
Every year, the Santa Fe community comes together to honor the victims. Memorial services, candlelight vigils, and moments of silence are held throughout the town. The high school now has a memorial garden, where families can leave flowers and pay tribute to their loved ones.
Still, the emotional scars remain.
Many students who were present that day still suffer from anxiety, PTSD, and survivor’s guilt. Some families have moved away, while others have made it their mission to advocate for school safety and gun control reforms.
The shooting also inspired the creation of nonprofit groups led by survivors and parents, aimed at offering mental health support, creating educational material, and pushing lawmakers to take action.
What Has Changed – And What Hasn’t?
Seven years later, there are mixed feelings. Some improvements have been made in school safety infrastructure, but critics say true reform is lacking.
Gun control remains a deeply divisive issue in Texas, with little change in legislation. Parents of victims often speak at public events and legislative hearings, urging lawmakers to take real steps.
Meanwhile, communities across the country continue to experience school shootings. According to the nonprofit organization Everytown for Gun Safety, there have been hundreds of school shootings since Santa Fe, proving that the threat is far from over.
Conclusion
As the seventh anniversary of the Santa Fe school shooting is remembered, it brings with it pain, frustration, and a renewed call for action. For the families, the wound is still open. Their children, teachers, and loved ones are gone — and they are still waiting for justice, change, and peace.
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Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.
