Article Database

Milwaukee Journal
April 22, 1999

News Report

(Regarding the Columbine shootings where two students opened fire on classmates and teachers)

"[Eric] Harris, 18, rarely thought small. His online ramblings demonstrate a grand view of life and self. "Man has ruled this world as a stumbling, demented child king long enough," Harris wrote in his "personal quote" on his America Online member profile. "As his empire crumbles, my precious black widow shall rise as his most fitting successor." Online, he called himself Darkness."

Later Alice was interviewed on Phoenix new radio station KTAR, where he stated to the effect that he was depressed to hear of the whole thing and shocked at how much more violence is today's school's than when he was in school and the worst thing that ever happened would be a fist-o-cuffs. Alice explained that his song Black Widow was about nothing more than a black widow spider. He failed to understand how anyone could relate it to anything more sinister than that. He also felt sorry for those who are targeted because they wear black and/or makeup or have such a look as that doesn't mean they are bad people.

On a more prominent connection to shock-rockers, Marilyn Manson has been contacted by numerous media services about his implied influence on the shooters and also had his upcoming April 30th Denver benefit concert canceled as to not offend sensitive locals. Manson made a statement that "It's tragic and disgusting anytime young people's lives are taken in an act of senseless violence. My condolences go out to the students and their families."