Screenshot taken from the Paul Lee Foundation website
On Thursday, June 5th, Paul Lee, a 19-year-old Korean American, was shot dead by a gunman in Seattle Pacific University. Three others were wounded.
In the midst of grieving, the people who were closest to Lee decided they will not let this tragedy end in simply that. Albert Lee, the victim’s older brother, along with a group of close family and friends, started The Paul Lee Foundation, an organization raising funds to do research in mental and emotional illnesses. In doing this, they hope to prevent future tragedies like this one.
The Paul Lee Foundation’s website expresses the reason for their work. “Paul’s love for all people calls us to consider that the shooter was a victim of mental illness, as much as Paul was the victim of a bullet.”
Indeed, according to a CNN report, the perpetrator, Aaron Ybarra, has significant mental health issues. Ybarra once told police that he had visited Columbine High School, and that he “wanted to shoot up a school.” Ybarra is currently on suicide watch.
Instead of becoming embittered or enraged at the tragedy, Lee’s family and friends took this opportunity to make a positive impact and help others. The foundation’s website expresses that this is what Paul would have wanted.
“Paul’s generosity made a lasting impression on his community. Although he has left us, may his light inspire us to become sincere individuals who live full of compassion.”
