A Former School Shooter is a TikTok Star. Should He Even Be Allowed Online?

On today’s episode, Rachelle Hampton and Candice Lim dive into the
saga of Jon Romano. At the age of 16, Romano walked into his high
school with a shotgun in an attempt, he says, to commit
law-enforcement-assisted suicide. Though no one was killed in the
ensuing violence, a teacher was shot and injured. Romano pled
guilty to attempted murder and reckless endangerment. He served 17
years in prison and was released in 2020. Since his release, he’s
been a public advocate for mental health reform and gun control.
Since 2022, TikTok has been a part of that advocacy work for
Romano, a choice that landed Romano in the headlines once again
after many decried his public platform of more than 275,000
followers. Romano’s presence on TikTok and his large public profile
raise thorny questions around the possibility of redemption and
life online for those who commit violent acts. To help answer those
questions, Hampton and Lim are joined by Dr. Teiahsha Bankhead, the
executive director of Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth and an
expert in restorative and racial justice. This podcast is produced
by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario, Rachelle Hampton and
Candice Lim. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
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