Question of the Week: Students Threatening Schools

This week, a 17-year-old Burlingame High School student was arrested on suspicions of making terrorist threats related to a scheduled rally at the school. He was booked into Hillcrest Juvenile Hall.

This week also brought the beginning of the trial of Alexander Youshock, the teen who allegedly entered Hillsdale High School in August 2009 armed with pipebombs, a chainsaw and a sword and is charged with attempted murder, among other things. 

While out and about in Burlingame this week, I heard some women discussing these two young men and wanted to open up their debate to the community: What is the correct way to handle these types of actions? Should those responsible be punished under the law? Or do their actions make it clear enough that they are troubled individuals who need help, not punishment? What do you think?