- Jon Romano, a former school shooter who served 17 years in prison for opening fire at his high school in 2004, has gained a significant following of over 250,000 on TikTok.
- While some praise his quest for redemption, others question whether he should have a platform at all.
A former school shooter, Jon Romano, who was released from prison in 2020, has gained a significant following on TikTok as he shares his journey of redemption.
With over 250,000 followers, Romano’s honesty has garnered praise, but there are also voices questioning whether he should have a platform at all.
In 2004, Romano, then 16, brought a shotgun to his upstate New York high school and opened fire, shooting a teacher in the legs. Fortunately, no one was killed as the assistant principal, John Shawchuck, wrestled Romano to the ground. However, Romano was sentenced to 20 years in prison for attempted murder and served 17 years.
Since his release, Romano has been using his platform to advocate for improved mental health services in the US and stricter gun control. He has also shared his experience of being attacked at the homeless shelter where he was working in 2022, resulting in severe injuries and rehabilitative treatment to reattach several limbs.
One of Romano’s most popular videos, posted in July, focuses on how teachers can support students facing mental struggles. He explains that his intention on the day of the shooting was “not to kill but to be killed.” After firing two rounds into the ceiling, he walked around, waiting for the police to arrive. He acknowledges the emotional trauma caused by his actions and emphasizes the need for schools to address mental health and provide support.
Romano believes in the power of vulnerability and encourages teachers to open up to students, sharing their own challenging experiences. He states, “There’s power in vulnerability, power in opening yourself up, and learning to do that can change lives — your own as well.”
While Romano has garnered a substantial following on TikTok, he has also faced backlash from individuals questioning his motives. Some accuse him of capitalizing on his past trauma and argue that he is primarily focused on protecting the mental health of young, white boys, neglecting the broader conversation on racial privilege and white supremacy. Others suggest that his advocacy is in conflict with his racial narrative since he addressed racist actions he experienced during a sword attack in 2022.
Facing mounting criticism, Romano has disabled comments on TikTok. When contacted for comment, he did not respond immediately.
After the 2004 attack, students and law enforcement officials described Romano as a troubled teenager who had various personal issues. He expressed remorse in a letter sent from prison, acknowledging his actions as the “worst mistake” of his life and expressing a desire to prevent others from making similar mistakes. Romano emphasized the value of life and the consequences of harming oneself or others.
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