Incidents such as this are tragic and devastating, and our thoughts are with the families of the victims and those affected by this horrific event.
In response to this tragic event, authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident and to establish the identity of the perpetrators. The school has offered counseling and support for the students, families, and educational staff who were involved.
Due to the severity of the incident and its consequences, the 14-year-old is likely to face criminal charges. The student may face charges of arson, and could be exposed to the full force of the law, including a possible prison sentence or a juvenile detention center.
Fortunately, most schools and school systems have updated their policies to better protect students from personal tragedy and loss, as well as to limit potential damages to property. In addition, many schools have developed measures to prevent events such as this from happening in the first place, such as having clear policies about student phone use and other electronic devices.
Ultimately, incidents such as this should always serve as a reminder to all of us to take the necessary precautions and to protect our children and environments from these types of tragedies.