We all we got!
When a classmate brought a loaded gun to school, 11-year-old Sakir Everett could have been a bystander or victim of a school shooting. Instead he jumped into action. Using knowledge he gained from hunting, Sakir disarmed the student, dismantled the weapon, and discarded the bullets. His quick thinking may have saved lives.
While his actions were undoubtedly heroic, the response from the school was harsh. Rather than being praised, Sakir was expelled for a year. The reason: he didn’t immediately report the gun to school personnel. Despite being a good student, an athlete since age six, and having no prior disciplinary record, he is now sidelined from the school community.
Sakir’s bravery is proof he’s a great kid who deserves support, not the consequences of a system that doesn’t recognize his value. That’s where we come in!
We shared Sakir’s story on our Instagram page and the words of encouragement came in like a flood. Here are a few of our favorite. We hope you see this Sakir!
“Amazing quickness Sakir, thank you for being strong and brave – may God continue to keep you safe and in his powerful hands ❤️” – @cmoblessings
“Brave, decisive action!! We need to celebrate this kid ❤️🔥🙌” – @bernsli
“Good job Sakir! You’re clearly too savvy for that school.” – @justjules_official
advertisement“Sakir means “thankful” “grateful” and that is what everyone should be for this child’s quick thinking and responsiveness! THANK YOU, KING 👑!!!” – @redyellowblackwhite
“Sakir, you thought to act quickly and efficiently! Most adults could not have acted that fast and it is because of you that your classmates are alive today. You are a true hero and we celebrate you! In the time it would have taken to report the incident, lives could have been lost. We treasure your bravery and acknowledge that your punishment is grossly unfair!” – @missriotpants
“He’s a hero! What an unfair punishment. Quick thinking saves lives ❤️” – @scarlett.hues
advertisement“That poor baby, sending all my love and pride to him! He deserves better ❤️” – @camerynhuffman
“Sounds like Sakir’s knowledge, bravery and character will be celebrated better at a private school. We thank God for your life Sakir and we know you are and will continue to be great in Jesus name!” – @elizabethmodupe
“Sakir, you were so brave and you did something that was quite literally life saving. Thank you for your courage ❤️” -@kellybp
advertisement“You are brave Sakir! Thank you! Don’t let anyone dim your light!” – @maurettebclark
“Thank you, Sakir. You did what the good guys do. And you are an inspiration ✨️” – @plentigirl
NBC News reports that school officials defended the expulsion under strict Michigan laws regarding weapons on campus, even as public outcry grows and communities demand a re-examination of how we treat courageous acts by youth.
If you’d like to support Sakir and his family as they make adjustments to his homeschooling schedule, please visit their GoFundMe page here.
Cover photo: Meet Sakir Everett, the 11-Year-Old Who Prevented A School Shooting By Dismantling a Classmate’s Gun / Photo Credit: Savitra McClurkin via WILX