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	'''Eric David Harris''' (9 April 1981 - 20 April 1999) and '''Dylan Bennet Klebold''' (11 September 1981 - 20 April 1999) were the two students who carried out the Columbine High School attack in Jefferson County, Colorado, on 20 April 1999.

Eric Harris (1981-1999) and Dylan Klebold (1981-1999) were [[United States of America\|American]] high school students who became infamously known for perpetrating the Columbine High School massacre on April 20, 1999, in Columbine, Colorado. Their actions resulted in the deaths of 12 students and a teacher, as well as numerous injuries. This wiki page provides an overview of Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, the Columbine High School massacre, and the subsequent modern following.
	On the day of the attack they murdered 12 students and one teacher, wounded others, and then killed themselves. In 2025, the death of survivor Anne Marie Hochhalter was ruled a homicide because complications from paralysis caused by the shooting were a significant contributing factor, raising the legal death toll connected to the attack.

== Background ==	== Background ==
Eric David Harris was born on April 9, 1981, in Wichita, Kansas, and Dylan Bennet Klebold was born on September 11, 1981, in Lakewood, Colorado. The two individuals met during their time at Columbine High School, where they both experienced struggles and alienation. Harris and Klebold developed a deep friendship and shared a common interest in violent video games, particularly those involving first-person shooting.
	Harris and Klebold were students at Columbine High School. They planned the attack in advance, acquired weapons, made explosive devices, and left behind writings and recordings that later became part of the investigation.

== Columbine High School Massacre ==
On April 20, 1999, Harris and Klebold carried out a meticulously planned attack on their high school. Armed with firearms and explosives, they entered the school premises and began shooting at students and faculty members. The attack lasted for approximately 49 minutes, ending with the suicides of Harris and Klebold in the school library. The massacre shocked the nation and initiated widespread discussions on school safety, bullying, mental health, and the influence of violent media.
	Early public explanations focused heavily on bullying, music, video games and school cliques. Later research and official material showed a more complicated picture involving grievance, violent ideation, planning, failed intervention, access to weapons, and a desire for notoriety.

== Modern Following ==
The actions of Harris and Klebold at Columbine High School have generated a small but notable modern following, often referred to as the "Columbiners" or "Columbinophiles." These individuals are primarily found online and are attracted to various aspects of the Columbine tragedy. Some common elements associated with the modern following include:
	== Columbine High School Attack ==
	The attack took place on 20 April 1999. Harris and Klebold brought firearms and homemade explosive devices to the school. Their plan included bombs intended to cause far more deaths, but the main explosive devices failed.

# Interest in the Attack: Some individuals are fascinated by the details of the Columbine massacre and extensively research the event, the perpetrators, and the aftermath.
# Identification and Empathy: Some followers claim to relate to the feelings of alienation, frustration, and anger expressed by Harris and Klebold, though it is essential to note that the vast majority of individuals who experience similar emotions do not resort to violence.
# Misguided Hero Worship: A small portion of the modern following idolizes Harris and Klebold, often referred to as "Columbine sympathizers," praising their actions and expressing admiration for their perceived rebellion against societal norms.
	They shot students and staff inside and around the school, including in the library. Teacher Dave Sanders and 12 students were killed on the day of the attack. Harris and Klebold died by suicide before police reached them.

It is crucial to recognize that the modern following does not represent the majority opinion or response to the Columbine tragedy. The overwhelming response from society has been one of condemnation, mourning for the victims, and a dedication to preventing similar incidents in the future.
	The attack became a major turning point in public understanding of school shootings. It changed police response tactics, school emergency planning, media coverage, threat assessment and public discussion of youth violence.

== Legacy and Impact ==
The Columbine High School massacre and its modern following have had several profound impacts on society:
	== Investigation ==
	The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the FBI and other agencies investigated the attack. The FBI later released records through its Vault, and Jefferson County Archives maintains investigation records.

# School Safety and Security: The attack prompted a re-evaluation of school safety protocols, leading to increased security measures, improved emergency response plans, and heightened awareness of potential threats.
# Prevention and Intervention: The tragedy highlighted the importance of early intervention, mental health support, and recognizing warning signs in individuals who may be at risk of committing acts of violence.
# Media Influence and Responsibility: The event sparked discussions about media coverage of mass shootings and the potential influence of violent media on vulnerable individuals.
# Memorials and Remembrance: Memorials and commemorations have been established to honour the victims of the Columbine High School massacre, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and fostering a sense of community support.
	The investigation showed that the attackers had planned for a bombing and shooting, not only a shooting. Their failure to detonate the main bombs prevented a much larger death toll.

	The case also exposed mistakes and missed signals. Some prior behaviour had drawn concern, and later scrutiny focused on whether law enforcement, schools and families had enough information to intervene.

	== Online Following and Copycat Risk ==
	Columbine developed an unhealthy online following. Some people study the case for research or prevention, but others romanticise the attackers, copy their appearance, repeat their language, or treat them as symbols of revenge.

	This following is a serious part of the attack's legacy. Harris and Klebold have been referenced by later attackers, and Columbine material has circulated for years in violent online subcultures. Responsible coverage should avoid turning them into anti-heroes or repeating material designed to give them attention.

	== Legacy ==
	Columbine changed school security and policing in the United States and beyond. It contributed to wider use of lockdown drills, threat assessment, school resource officers, emergency communication systems, and rapid police engagement during active attacks.

	The attack also shaped arguments about media ethics. Repeated publication of attackers' names, images and writings can create status for violent offenders. Later guidance often recommends focusing on victims, survivors, warning signs and prevention rather than on spectacle.

	The victims, survivors and families remain central to the history of the attack. The event should be remembered as a mass murder and attempted bombing that damaged a community for decades, not as a cultural myth built around the perpetrators.

	== See Also ==
	* [[Mass_Shootings]]
	* [[Adam_Lanza]]
	* [[Police_officer]]

	== References ==
	* [https://vault.fbi.gov/Columbine%20High%20School%20 FBI Vault: Columbine High School]
	* [https://www.jeffco.us/DocumentCenter/View/1052/Columbine-Investigation-Records-Finding-Aid-PDF?bidId= Jefferson County Archives: Columbine High School Shootings Investigation Records]
	* [https://www.britannica.com/event/Columbine-High-School-shootings Britannica: Columbine High School shooting]
	* [https://apnews.com/article/columbine-homicide-anne-marie-hochhalter-death-toll-4e175eac29224695214418f5a83c2648 Associated Press: Columbine victim's death ruled a homicide]

	[[Category:Crime]]
	[[Category:United States]]
	[[Category:Public Safety]]