Community Reflection on the Manhunt for Aaron Pennington
By Sam LeMay | Observer Contributor
Aaron Pennington remains the figure of interest in the troubling events that unfolded on October 22nd. The incident, which involved the fatal shooting of his wife, Breanne Pennington, and his subsequent flight, has prompted students and staff at the Mount to reflect upon their sense of security in the area. As of this issue’s publication date, the latest press release from Massachusetts State Police indicates that they have suspended their search, confirming that although they haven’t found him, they are assuming he is still alive until a body is found. On the morning of October 23rd, an email from MWCC Student Services reached the student body, advising them to immediately contact authorities if they encounter anyone matching Pennington’s description.
Aaron Pennington stands as the prime suspect in the October 22nd shooting of Breanne Pennington. Law enforcement agencies leading the search for Pennington, an Air Force veteran, have issued a warning that he is to be considered armed and dangerous. According to news sources, friends of the couple have disclosed that Pennington had grappled with long-standing mental health challenges, at times even expressing thoughts of self-harm. It was also revealed that Breanne had been planning to relocate with their four children due to ongoing marital issues.
Some students at the Mount did feel directly affected by the situation. Annika Rodriquenz, a Pathways student, shared her connection to the unfolding events, stating, “There were helicopters out, and they were going mostly around Lake Wampanoag and Ashburnham… that lake is right near my brother’s house so that made me a little bit nervous.”
Other students who don’t live in the area didn’t feel particularly affected but stated that they feel awful about the news. Kacie Gallagher, another Pathways student at the Mount, remarked, “I do just feel like he’s dead and no longer a threat.”
MWCC’s President James Vander Hooven revealed his own personal turmoil in response to the situation, saying, “I feel sick about it… and I was very concerned.”
Vander Hooven went on to emphasize the significance in recognizing the incident as a domestic matter. “He could be a threat to anyone who threatens him but there is a difference between something that is random and something that is a little bit more isolated,” he said, while also expressing how important it is to process such circumstances and allow oneself to navigate the array of emotions they evoke.
He advocates for open lines of communication, encouraging individuals to lean on their support networks and seek guidance whenever required. “…Gardner is such a close community that they didn’t need to be connected to the college to have an impact on people.”
In recent years, crime rates in Gardner have gone down by about 14%, while Massachusetts as a whole has seen the crime rates go up by about 3%. Gardner, in its dedicated efforts to enhance public safety and create a secure community, has not only managed to buck the statewide trend but has also set an encouraging example of effective crime prevention and law enforcement strategies.
President Vander Hooven wants students and community members to know that reaching out for assistance during challenging times is not a sign of weakness but an emblem of resilience. He candidly shared, “…asking and actually seeking out help is the answer… I ask for help, I reach out to people to get help when I’m experiencing a difficult situation, personally and professionally… that a real sign of strength is asking for help and not letting things build up.”
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