About our guest: Some people talk about school safety — Luis D. Aponte actually studies it. A Northern Virginia librarian, Air Force veteran, and author, Luis has spent seven years digging into 1,204 school‑shooting cases to understand the patterns others miss. His research, including a 2022 publication in the peer‑reviewed EDUCATION journal, gives schools and lawmakers the data they need to act. Born in Savannah, Georgia and trained as a librarian at the University of South Florida, Luis brings both heart and expertise to this work. When he’s not writing, he’s acting in films, solving fictional crimes in library murder‑mystery plays, or exploring Virginia’s parks with his wife, Eileen. His message is clear: protecting kids isn’t political — it’s essential, and the solutions are within reach. Learn more: asafeplacebook.com

Tim asks Luis:

• What inspired you to dedicate seven years of your life to researching school shootings and writing this book? Was there a specific moment or event that motivated you to take on this project?
• Your book emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and mastery in preventing school shootings. Can you share practical tips for parents and educators to help children develop these skills?
• You’ve identified patterns in school shootings over 30 years. What are the most surprising or overlooked trends you discovered and how can communities use this information to prevent future tragedies?
• Alyssa’s Law has gained bipartisan support in several states. What is Alyssa’s Law and what advice would you give to parents and advocates who want to push for its adoption in their own communities?
• Your book discusses the role of technology such as mobile apps in preventing school shootings. How can parents and schools effectively integrate these tools into their safety plans?

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About Luis’ book: A Safe Place: How to Prevent the Next School Shooting

This groundbreaking and deeply personal exploration of one of America’s most urgent crises: school gun violence, draws from seven years of meticulous research into 1,204 U.S. school shootings spanning three decades, Aponte-a librarian, veteran, and survivor of gun violence-offers a fact-based, nonpartisan roadmap to protect children and educators. ​

This book goes beyond headlines, uncovering the overlooked patterns and root causes of school shootings. ​ Aponte debunks common myths, revealing that arguments, feuds, and unresolved conflicts-not mental illness or video games-are the leading triggers of these tragedies. ​He advocates for teaching emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and gun safety to children as essential tools for prevention.

Packed with actionable solutions, A Safe Place outlines practical measures that communities can implement without waiting for Congress. From consistent use of metal detectors and armed resource officers to panic button systems like Alyssa’s Law, Aponte emphasizes strategies that save lives. He also highlights the importance of community-based programs, such as Stand for the Silent and Community Violence Intervention initiatives, which foster safer schools and neighborhoods. ​

Through compelling narratives, Aponte honors the resilience of parents like Lori Alhadeff and Kirk Smalley, who turned personal tragedies into powerful movements for change. He also shares his own harrowing experiences with gun violence, adding a deeply human perspective to his research.

This book is not just a guide-it’s a heartfelt plea for unity and action. Aponte challenges readers to join the fight against school gun violence, reminding us that every child deserves to grow up in peace. A Safe Place is a vital resource for parents, educators, and community leaders committed to creating safe havens for learning and growth. Click here to buy the book!