The threat of violence has once again struck a public school. This time it was not some distant place but right here in Joplin. Today [Oct. 11, 2006], a 13 year old student threatened Joplin Memorial Middle School with a gun. At least in part because of the heroic and professional conduct of school administrators, Assistant Superintendent Stephen Doerr and Principal Stephen Gilbreth, and the extremely quick and effective response of Joplin police officers, no one was hurt. I commend the Joplin Public Schools and the Joplin Police Department for their handling of this very difficult and dangerous situation.