Nearly two years after the Columbine High School shootings, the killers have become cultural icons to some, researchers say. The massacre has been blamed in part for at least four subsequent school attacks and three plots aimed at schools. At least 60 other threats mentioning Columbine have been reported worldwide. Most researchers stop short of saying the Columbine shootings and the public fascination with Eric and Dylan directly inspire more crime.
Recent events suggest they succeeded in that.
On Friday, it will be two years since Eric and Dylan stormed Columbine, killing 12 classmates and a teacher. They committed suicide in the school library. School officials have planned a half-hour observance with a few speeches to mark the anniversary of the Columbine attack. Dave Grossman, a former West Point professor who is a researcher and law enforcement trainer, said publicity about such crimes can influence others. Seth, who was convicted of shooting with intent to kill in Fort Gibson, Okla., was probably influenced heavily by news accounts of the Columbine shootings, defense psychiatrist Shreekumar Vinekar testified.