This past week’s incident in Las Vegas was shocking and heartbreaking. I’m basically at a loss for words other than that. I’m not here to reiterate how many people died, who the attacker was, or what kinds of guns he used. I am here to call the media out on the manner in which they choose to cover senseless attacks such as this one. Normally, I don’t get myself worked up about the press and their reporting because I have very little control over the matter. I choose my news carefully and I don’t believe every headline I read. The problem is that when something like the Las Vegas attack happens, the press is going to squeeze every possible story out of it. Yes, I know it’s their job but it’s wrong and here’s why:

Families need time to grieve. Imagine losing a loved one in a deliberate attack on a public place. Now imagine hearing of their death on TV or social media before word reaches you through family. So now that you’re aware that your family member lost their life in a mass killing and are trying to process that, imagine being harassed by the press for more information. They might find a way to call you or your workplace, or they could even show up at your doorstep. Why? Because they want to plaster your family member’s face and story wherever they can. I understand it, but it doesn’t help or give anyone peace of mind.

What about the family of the killer? They don’t have it easy either. They most likely had no idea their family member was planning an attack, nor can they explain why their family member would do such a thing. Despite the horrible actions committed by that person, their family still lost a loved one and they need time to mourn. That’s when the press sweeps in, trying to blame the tragedy on whatever they can come up with.

In my opinion, the only good news stories that come out of tragedies like the one in Las Vegas are the ones about the heroes. We need more coverage of the first responders who were on the scene. We need to hear the stories of strangers who came together to keep each other safe.

The media in this country needs to change the way they report the stories about horrible events such as the violence that took place last week. I’m sick of seeing killers become more famous than the victims and heroes. We need to talk about these events in ways that glorify unity and standing up against violence. I’m sick of the media creating more ways to divide us, when something like this should be bringing us together. I challenge my readers to do their part in helping the victims in Las Vegas, and showing that we can unite for a cause when tragedy strikes.