As you probably know by now, a graduate of Northern Illinois University (65 miles from Chicago) opened fire on a campus lecture hall Thursday, killing five students and then himself and injuring 17 others.

So far, we don’t know a motive or any connection between the gunman and his victims. We do know that he was on some kind of medication, but we don’t know which one. And apparently he had no history of mental illness.

More details are sure to come. But for now, the Chronicle of Higher Education offers a unique take on the story: Counselors from other colleges (including Northwestern) have volunteered their services to NIU.
Chris Flynn, director of the counseling center at Virginia Tech, said he had to respond on a large scale after the tragic shooting deaths of 32 students (plus the gunman) there last year. And his center is preparing for students who may have flashbacks or other painful reactions to the news from DeKalb.

The prayers, thoughts and questions will surely continue. I’ll keep an eye out for more news and concrete ways to help this community in its time of mourning.