Jeff Brasie

My first memory of an American mass shooting goes back nearly 60 years with an Alpena connection.

It was Monday, August 1, 1966, at the University of Texas/Austin campus.

Charles Whitman, a former U.S. Marine and one-time U of T student, ascended the 27 floor, 307-foot campus tower to the observation deck. He moved weapons, ammunition, and a foot locker of supplies on a two-wheel cart.

At the tower’s top, a receptionist inquired with Whitman about his presence. She turned her back to make a telephone call and was fatally shot by Whitman.

Whitman heard more voices on the top floor. He fatally shot two and injured two more. He propped the deck’s entry door shut with his cart and related items.

At 11:48 a.m., Whitman had a commanding view of the campus. He homed in his rifle’s scope and began to shoot individuals walking across campus.

After 96 minutes of turmoil, 16 people lost their lives and 31 others were injured. Not to overlook an unborn fetus who perished.

As for Whitman, two Austin police officers were able to enter the observation deck and shoot Whitman.

The Alpena connection to a mass shooting

With that August midday crowd was Harry Walchuk, an Alpena Community College political science professor working on his doctorate degree at the university. At age 38, he was married to Marilyn.

Walchuk was near Guadalupe Street, less than a block from the tower. He was preparing to enter a small newsstand next to a Rexall drug store. Whitman targeted and shot him.

According to records, Walchuk was taken to a local hospital and passed away soon after arriving.

Marilyn became a widow, and their six children became fatherless.

An epilogue to the Texas mass shooting

Gary M. Lavergne is an Austin resident and author of “A Sniper in the Tower: Charles Whitman Murders,” published in 1997.

Lavergne said that, over a multi-day period, prior to and the day of the mass shooting, Whitman was very methodical in preparation. In simple terms, Whitman was a killer with goals.

America’s next public mass shooting did not occur until July 18, 1984, at a San Ysidro, California McDonald’s restaurant. A total of 22 people lost their lives to gunfire, while 19 others sustained injuries.

What research data shows

Since 2015, the Gun Violence Archive (www.gunviolencearchive.org) research cites well over 420,000 fatal or injured gunshot victims. This number reflects the total populations of Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Lansing, Flint, Marquette, Port Huron, and Alpena.

Public opinion definitely shows significant concern over America’s growing gun violence — may it be long guns, handguns, or ammunition.

A mid-2022 survey by ABC News/Axios revealed 70 percent of Americans think enacting new gun control laws should take precedence over protecting ownership rights. The research found that 29 percent of respondents prioritize protecting the right to own distinct types of guns over implementing gun control laws.

More recently, 2023 Pew Research revealed 61 percent of surveyed Americans stated it was too easy to legally obtain a gun in this country. In addition, 58 percent favored stricter gun laws.

Pew Research added 51 percent of Americans say it is important to protect the right to own guns, while 48 percent state gun ownership is more important.

Just in recent weeks: A frenzy of gun violence

Three individuals held at an ICE facility in Dallas, Texas, lost their lives. In addition, three police officers lost their lives while serving a warrant near York, Pennsylvania. Three people dining at a waterside restaurant in North Carolina were also victims, and in Grand Blanc, Michigan, five individuals — including the shooter — died at a Latter-day Saints church mass shooting.

According to Gun Violence Archive’s website, dozens upon dozens of people are killed or injured by gunfire during each of their 72-hour monitoring periods.

Late this summer, CNN research revealed there have been at least 325 mass shootings during 2025.

Finally, a July 2025 Forbes Magazine feature story on gun violence noted gun violence is now the leading cause of death for young Americans.

A call to action

It is clear to me, and others, that America’s growing gun violence is associated to mental illness and who gets guns.

Thoughts and prayers no longer “cut it.” The solutions are in the hands of America’s voters and elected officials.

A few proposals to reflect upon include:

· A computerized, nationwide background check system for the sale, purchase, or transfer of any and all firearms during a defined reasonable period of time.

· Coupled to the background check system, a national, cross-checked background system to ensure the wrong individuals (for example, convicted criminals or mentally challenged) do not acquire firearms.

· A basic educational program to understand firearm safety and responsibility — after all, we do so for the operation of vehicles.

· Helping family members, friends, health care providers, clergy, and other important contacts identify individuals who have mental health challenges and quickly direct them to resources.

· Cease the sales of military-grade firearms and massive-magazine armaments, as well as “ghost guns.”

Other sensible options exist that uphold the Constitution’s Second Amendment.

Jeffrey D. Brasie is a retired health care CEO. He frequently writes feature stories and op-eds for various newspapers, magazines, and social media sites. As a Vietnam-era veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Naval Reserve. He served on the public affairs staff of the Secretary of the Navy. He grew up in Alpena and resides in suburban Detroit.