As Aaron Alexis entered building 197 at the Navy Yard on a gloomy, cloudy Monday morning, no one could have expected what was to come. At about 8 a.m., Alexis walked in the doors of the building using a valid pass, and carrying a bag, presumably containing his weapon, a 12 gauge shotgun. He then entered a bathroom and came out without the bag. He carried onwards up to the fourth floor and opened fire. Employees at the Navy Yard have said that he was simply, “looking for people to hunt.” Alexis continued to work his way down to the lobby, shooting anyone that came in his path. First responders arrived at approximately 8:30 a.m., where they cornered Alexis and killed him. “My aunt and uncle work there and my uncle left as soon as he heard gunshots. My aunt got trapped and had to wait it out,” said senior Aaron Wilson.

  Since the shooting happened Monday, details remain scarce, but it is believed Alexis had the severe mental illness known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a disorder that can be suffered when one goes through severe emotional trauma. He had a history of strange behavior, including calling the police to report that people whom he had had an argument with at an airport were harassing him with a microwave and talking to him through the walls. He was also arrested in Seattle, Washington for shooting out a construction workers tires in 2004. He blamed his rage on the September 11th attacks. The mental illness side of Alexis is a troubling twist to the story. He had bought his weapon Saturday in Lorton, Virginia and passed a background check easily. “I think there should be more security on buying guns. You shouldn’t be able to pass a test and pass a class to buy a gun,” said junior Catherine Elfers. Many, like Elfers, have began to wonder how he received Navy security clearance to enter the base and how he was able to pass the background check.

  The issue of mental illnesses and guns has been a problem before, as Sandy Hook gunman, Adam Lanza, had been diagnosed with “Sensory Processing Disorder,” a trait of autism. Although it has been said by autism advocates that autism is not linked to violent outbursts by autism advocates, it can lead to social awkwardness, leading to further issues. Lanza had to steal the guns from his mother, but Alexis was able to walk into a store and buy the guns himself. “I’m not a fan of guns. Only certified people should have them,” said Wilson. This is leading people across the country to speak out against guns and suggest that buying guns be restricted in some way.

  The tragedy of the Navy Yard shooting is forcing some to look at why the shooting happened and make necessary changes. Some believe that step is taking guns away. However, it is imperative that changes be made in order to ensure that something like this never happens again. As more and more of these tragedies occur, seemingly by the month, everyone must take a long look at why these shootings are happening. “Maybe if the restrictions to buy guns were tougher, the shooting wouldn’t have happened,” said Elfers.