Teen present at Highland Park parade attack misses Six Flags Great America shooting by hours

 

ILLINOIS (CBS 58) -- A 16-year-old from Highland Park, Illinois, still recovering from the emotional scars when a gunman opened fire at a crowded parade, went to Six Flags Great America this weekend, the day three people were shot.

Physically, he's okay. But inside, it hurts, and he's trying to keep a smile on his face knowing his generation's experiencing a lot of trauma.

So far this year, there have been more than 300 mass shootings across the country.

"It just made me think nowhere is actually safe," said Tane Walker of Highland Park.

Tane Walker got out hours before gunfire went hurling through the Six Flags parking lot Sunday night, injuring three. Still, having been there earlier sent shivers through him and his family.

"But just the thought of like what if I hadn't left earlier," said Walker.

Walker's heartbroken sister took to Twitter, saying, "Can you imagine how traumatizing it would've been for a 16-year-old to be in not just 1, but 2 shootings in less than 2 months?"

"It's still very traumatic to think back," said Walker.

Walker was in the Highland Park parade representing his dad's business on the 4th of July.

"I glanced over to the sound I was hearing and I just saw a mob of like people dressed in red, white and blue just running away," said Walker.

Walker and his siblings took cover in their dad's Jeep on the parade route.

"My brother and I both hopped like on my mom's lap, like just trying to get in as fast as possible to get away," said Walker.

The trauma, following Walker and his friends as they prepare to head back to school.

"Just trying not to think about it too much, just trying to like keep on a happy face," he said.

"We don't want what's going on to isolate them or limit their ability to control their life," said Donetta Walker of Divine Wellness & Counseling in Glendale.

Donetta Walker counsels Milwaukee-area teens and says baby steps can help children through trauma.

"So maybe you won't go to this large amusement park for a while, but what are some other things you can do where you're still actively engaging? Sometimes in younger children you might hear them say things like they have stomach aches and headaches. You'll see their behavior change," Donetta Walker said. "In older children, maybe they have a difficult time sleeping, engaging, lack of focus."

Recurring dreams about what happened, PTSD and anxiety may all be signaling you to call a therapist.

"And you just don't realize like how traumatic it actually is until something brings it up again or you hear those gunshots. I think that it's not a good thing obviously, but I think it will help us to be the ones who can make the change," said Tane Walker.

Counselors say this next generation's got it especially tough since they're not only dealing with firsthand trauma in situations like a mass shooting, but also secondhand trauma because they're so often looking through social media posts. 

Donetta Walker says especially when breaking news is on, to limit teens' exposure to it.