Had kind of an upsetting day today.

[alarimer]

We went down to see the cherry blossoms in DC, but ultimately didn't make it all the way to the Tidal Basin because it was SO crowded. Still got some good photos of some other flowers. It was a nice day to be out.

What was upsetting was the way back. We took the Metro in from New Carrollton. On our return trip, just as the train was about to pull into a station a few stops before ours, we saw cops spreading some yellow crime scene tape, and then noticed a body lying on the ground. He looked dead, but I could see no blood.

As it turns out, he was dead, or close to it, shot by some other guy during an argument (according to news reports I read later).This happened in broad daylight, at a fairly busy station, so there were witnesses. Plus it all was recorded on video, so I am confident they will catch the guy.

According to the reports, he was 15 years old. 15. A child, basically. And someone killed him. I can't get the sight out of my mind. I'd never seen anything like it before.

I'm not worried about taking the Metro; it's not particularly dangerous and this was not random. Still, some parent lost their child today because some asshole got a gun and used it because he got pissed off.

Sorry this is kind of a dark topic for the lounge. I don't really mean to debate crime or gun laws or anything like that. Just wanted to vent because I am still a little shaken.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I'd be upset too, my dear alarimer...

Of course, you're shaken. A young person died.

I'm sorry it happened and that you were there.

I just thought of a little quote that might help:

"There is no rhyme or reason. There is only the chilling reminder that we live precariously and die randomly, and that there is honor in facing each day with purpose and grace."

A columnist in the LA Times said it years ago. His name is Steve Lopez and he makes a lot of sense. I hope this will help.

[alarimer]

2. Thanks.

That does make sense.

[mnhtnbb]

3. It is a disturbing thing to witness a scene like that.

I was probably about 11 or 12 the first time I saw someone dead, on the ground. A little girl--maybe 9 or 10--drowned at our swim club and
we saw the lifeguard bring her out, put her on the sand and start administering CPR. She was not revived.

It was quite disturbing.

[alarimer]

7. No one was even trying CPR when we went past.

They must have figured it was too late. But reports said he died at the hospital, so the cynic in me wonders if those cops first on the scene just didn't bother at all. But maybe they couldn't, not being trained beyond basic first aid.

[riderinthestorm]

4. I'm not sure you ever get over that. I'm so sorry.

[Rhiannon12866]

5. That is very awful, of course you're upset

It would certainly upset me, too. I never saw a person who had passed away until I went with my parents to my Dad's older cousin's wake when I was 21. I was grateful I had done that since I lost my grandmother a year later. But seeing a child would shake anyone up. I hope that sharing the experience helps...

[alarimer]

6. It has, thanks.

It just seems so senseless. Well, it is.

It was so weird, though, that there were announcements all day over the Metro PA about being vigilant (talking about Brussels) when, really, the worst thing is the daily drumbeat of violence that occurs everywhere.

[ailsagirl]

8. It's so senseless

You get mad at someone and so you whip out your gun and kill him.
That's how disagreements are settled these days...

It's a nightmare

[elleng]

9. AWFUL!

Terrible!

Which station?