A man who says he once came dangerously close to committing a school shooting will visit Fort Worth this week with a message that challenges how families, educators, and communities respond to troubled young people.
Mental health advocate Aaron Stark will present “I Was Almost a School Shooter” on Thursday, November 5, as part of Lena Pope’s Strong Foundations Speaker Series. The presentation will examine how isolation, emotional pain, and hopelessness can shape behavior, and how meaningful relationships can help redirect a person’s life.
The nonprofit will host the event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at its Amon Carter Event Center, 3200 Sanguinet St. in Fort Worth, according to event details.
A Personal Story With A Different Ending
Stark has publicly described his experiences with childhood adversity, emotional isolation, and thoughts of carrying out a school shooting. His account centers on the people who helped him find another path.
Stark describes himself as a father of four and mental wellness advocate. Lena Pope says his story has reached millions and will serve as the foundation for a discussion about human connection and the importance of making others feel valued.
The presentation does not promise a simple solution to school violence. Instead, organizers aim to help families recognize when someone needs support and understand how to respond before problems deepen.
Emotional distress alone does not establish that someone poses a threat. Effective prevention calls for attention to concerning behavior rather than assumptions about people experiencing mental health difficulties.
What Parents And Educators Can Learn
Lena Pope says attendees will explore practical strategies for approaching people who struggle emotionally, understanding the effects of isolation, and creating stronger personal connections.
The event forms part of Lena Pope’s Rooted Together initiative, which offers community education on parenting, mental health, digital life, school transitions, and child development.
The organization has served North Texas children and families since 1930 and provides counseling, behavioral health services, and early childhood programs. Its Strong Foundations series brings speakers and educators together to equip parents and caregivers with practical tools for addressing challenges within their families.
Major School Attacks Put His Message In Context
Stark first shared his near-attack publicly after a gunman murdered 17 students and staff members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, in 2018, according to PBS. Stark’s account focused on his own isolation, his lack of access to firearms, and the people who intervened in his life.
On October 15, 2026, an attacker murdered three children and a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon.
On August 27, 2025, a gunman whose court records suggest a “transgender” identity murdered two children during a Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church, which serves a school in Minneapolis, as previously covered by The Dallas Express.
On September 4, 2024, a gunman at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, murdered two students and two teachers, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s findings.
Earlier atrocities include the March 27, 2023, Covenant School massacre in Nashville, Tennessee, where a “transgender” murderer killed three children and three adults; the May 24, 2022, massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where a gunman murdered 19 children and two teachers, as previously covered by The Dallas Express; and the February 14, 2018, Parkland massacre, where a gunman murdered 17 people.
Other devastating attacks include Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, where a gunman murdered 20 children and six educators on December 14, 2012, as The Dallas Express previously reported, and Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, where a gunman murdered 32 people on April 16, 2007, according to the university’s archives. These incidents are not a comprehensive list.
Two of these attacks involved perpetrators whose “transgender” identification has documentary support. In Minneapolis, a 2020 court order approving Robin Westman’s name change cited a female identity, as previously documented by The Dallas Express. In Nashville, investigators documented that Audrey Hale used male pronouns, adopted the name Aiden Williams, and expressed interest in “transitioning.” Available reporting does not establish the sexual orientation or gender identity of the other perpetrators in this chronology.
How To Attend Thursday’s Event
Doors open at 6 p.m. Thursday, November 5, with refreshments and light snacks before Stark’s presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.
Lena Pope currently offers free individual tickets through its official registration page, although the event listing also displays a general price range of $0 to $15. Attendees should register in advance to secure admission.
Continuing education credits are available for eligible social workers, professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists. The organization says childcare will not be available during the presentation.
For families concerned about the pressures facing children and teenagers, Thursday’s discussion offers an opportunity to examine the role of everyday relationships in identifying distress, encouraging communication, and connecting young people with support.
Provided by Dallas Express
