| Jon Romano | |
| Birth Name: | Jon W. Romano |
| Birth Date: | 30 October 1987[1] |
| Known For: | TikTok, public speaking and perpetrating the Columbia High School shooting |
| Criminal Charge: | attempted murder and reckless endangerment |
| Criminal Penalty: | 20 year prison sentence[2] (Released after 15 years on good behavior)[3] |
| Conviction Status: | Released |
| Motive: | Suicidal ideation, sexual abuse, depression[4] |
| Date: | 9 February 2004[5] |
| Locations: | Columbia High School, East Greenbush, New York |
| Fatalities: | 0 |
| Injuries: | 1 |
| Weapon: | Winchester 12-gauge pump-action shotgun |
Jon W. Romano (born October 30, 1987) is an American convicted school shooter, TikTok influencer and mental health advocate[6] that made headlines in 2004 after bringing a loaded shotgun to Columbia High School in East Greenbush, New York and injuring a teacher. Romano was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment after he shot and injured a special education teacher at his high school. He was released in 2020 after serving 15 years of his 20 year sentence.[7]
Romano was born on 30 October 1987 in East Greenbush, New York. When Romano was four years-old, his father left the family home, he also claims in his suicide note that he was beaten by his father. [8]
In February 2022, Romano spoke at a school safety conference in Saratoga County. During the conference, Romano claims that when he was 5 and 6, he was sexually abused multiple times which lead him down a dark path. The sexual abuse made him "more insecure, more awkward."[9]
Jon Romano, a student at Columbia High School, walked into school with a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun on 9 February 2004. Without hesitation, he passed by the Main Office and ascended the stairs to reach a bathroom on the second floor. He sent messages to his friends while in a bathroom stall. One message wrote "I'm in school with shotgun, get out."[10] [11] Romano then washed his hands and stepped into a hallway with the shotgun. He fired two shots before Assistant Principal, John Sawchuk, tackled Romano. As Romano and Sawchuk struggled, a third shot was fired and hit the leg of Michael Bennett, a special-education teacher at the school.[12] Romano was subsequently arrested after the incident.
On the day of the shooting, Romano wrote a letter to his family and friends giving an 'explanation' for his actions. In the letter, he also says he's been watching Bowling for Columbine and says "How am I different than what the media says school shooters are?", he then describes his interests and why he's not the 'typical school shooter' by saying:[13]
Romano was charged with attempted murder and reckless endangerment. Romano was facing up to 50-years in prison for both charges but pleaded guilty in exchange for a 20-year sentence.[15]
During his prison sentence, Romano wrote a series of letters that advocated against gun violence. On February 21 2018, The Times Union wrote a column that featured comments from John Sawchuk. Romano responded with a letter thanking the assistant principal for apprehending him before he hurt himself or others.
Romano wrote the letter shortly after the Parkland High School shooting. Romano called the survivors “courageous and inspiring for demanding action from politicians.”[16]
Romano was released in December 2020 after serving 15 years of his 20 year sentence. Two years after his release, Romano made a TikTok page with the name ‘Jon Seeking Peace’. Romano's TikTok bio reads: “After being a part of the problem, it’s time to be a part of the solution". Romano's account has sparked controversy after his account began attracting attention in mid to late 2023.[17] [18]
A TikToker with 2.8 million followers known as "YourFavoriteGuy" has claimed that Romano lies about what happened at Columbia High School, however, Romano insists that he never intended to hurt anybody other than himself. On 9 October 2023, Romano lost access to his TikTok account after his page got mass reported. His account was later reinstated and has continued growing.[19]
On 29 August 2022, Romano was attacked with a sword while working at a homeless shelter in Albany, New York. A prosecutor informed the judge that Romano is still on a breathing tube. Doctors successfully fixed his arms and lower leg, but they're worried about how his leg is doing. The police report also mentions that he got struck in the head.[20] 42-year-old Randell D. Mason was arrested after the attack and charged with attempted second-degree murder. In April 2023, Mason was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment after pleading guilty to the attack.[21]
Romano posted a series of TikTok videos after the attack with his side of the story. In one video posted on his page, he claims the attack came after he confronted Mason for using derogatory towards him. After confronting him, Mason “become animated” and was talking about "white devils". Romano complained to his boss who subsequently tried to kick Mason out of the homeless shelter. After that, Romano says in the video:
As of August 2023, Romano has recovered his ability to walk but often struggles to use his left hand. Romano says he may need additional surgeries in order to recover fully. Since the attack, he hasn't been able to do speeches.[23]