East Greenbush, New York: The Columbia High School shooting remains one of the most significant school violence incidents in New York’s recent history. On February 9, 2004, a student opened fire inside Columbia High School in East Greenbush, New York, sending students and staff into lockdown and prompting a massive law enforcement response.
According to investigators, then-16-year-old Jon Romano entered the school armed with a 12-gauge shotgun and fired a shot that struck a teacher in the leg. The attack ended quickly after an assistant principal and school staff intervened, preventing further injuries. No students were killed during the incident, and emergency responders secured the campus shortly afterward.
Romano later pleaded guilty to attempted murder and other charges, receiving a 20-year prison sentence. He was released after serving approximately 17 years and has since spoken publicly about his mental health struggles and expressed remorse for the shooting.
More than two decades later, the 2004 Columbia High School shooting continues to be remembered as a turning point for school safety in the Capital Region. The incident led to renewed discussions about campus security, student mental health, and violence prevention. Survivors, educators, and the East Greenbush community continue to reflect on the lasting impact of that day while emphasizing the importance of early intervention and support for students facing mental health challenges.
