Tom Mauser remembers Daniel...

As part of our Beyond Columbine Series (www.rmpbs.org/beyondcolumbine), Tom Mauser sits down with RMPBS to talk about his son Daniel who lost his life at Columbine High School 20 years ago. This is the interview that was used in "Caliber of Healing": projects.rmpbs.org/beyond-col...

[@siluxkhan6544]

Daniel would be so proud of his father.

[@raxter82]

@Bryan Bradley he was shot through the hand and it hit his ear. He then pushed a char at Eric who then shot him in the nose. There is no doubt he died instantly

[@robkay3172]

@@raxter82 thanks for sharing the facts Tim. Shows how courageous Daniel was in his final moment.

[@bloodyunicorn8111]

@@raxter82 he wasn’t shot in the nose , he was shot directly in the head between the eyes , Eric said to Daniel “nice glasses” and then shot him

[@Nat3_H1gg3rs]

Pride and shame are what brought us here

[@tonyallewellyn7304]

@@bloodyunicorn8111 That’s so sad 😔

[@CommercialZone2014]

Daniel must have been a wonderful young man with a person like Tom as his father.

[@l0v3lyniaa]

@Megan Van Winkle c

[@checkmate79]

@@l0v3lyniaa d

[@hatpb]

That’s exactly how I feel ❤️ what an amazing man

[@maddiebalderas208]

7thRingHunt e

[@vernamorales2064]

@@hatpb Me too !!

[@laneyallan9847]

“No one ever truely dies until there is no one left to remember them” - Laney Allan, July 1983.

[@ams554]

This is actually a Japanese proverb. (We die twice)

[@ams554]

@Bustopher McCumbus I don't get it...

[@hayleyjay4378]

You know what makes ppl remember? PHOTOS

[@nancymeyhoefer4102]

I get it and it’s so sad. I see myself someday, where people won’t remember me, as I plan to live a seriously long life.

[@charleshowie2074]

'Remember that soon you'll have forgotten all and all will have forgotten you.' - Marcus Aurelius .

[@AraBianchi]

The way Tom talks about his Daniel and you see his eyes shining when he goes all reminiscing the memories he has of him... it literally breaks my heart so much to think how Daniel and the other 12 people lost their lives, kids and a coach got robbed of their lives and their dreams and broke their families (and the injured or not injured too) This man has spend 20 years without his kid... a sweet and loving kid who had so potential and so much to give to the world. It just so hard to think about how can someone idolize Eric and Dylan, regardless of their struggles it would NEVER justify the pain they cause to so many people and their own families I'm pretty sure Daniel is very proud of his dad for all the advocacy for Gun Violence and his hard work. I hope he rests in eternal peace and I sincerely hope Tom keeps walking in Daniel's shoes, he's such a wise and strong man. Much love to him and his beautiful family xx

[@helenamaria710]

Wouldn't it be amazing if he ran for the next US president! If only such good people could get into positions of power!

[@-_deploy_-]

@Bryan Bradley no he got shot in the face

[@BlackGirlLovesAnime6]

@@helenamaria710 right, the world is so corrupt because the people in power are evil by choice

[@unlocked6352]

He should have been 38-years-old today. Happy birthday, Daniel.

[@camrynwilson4400]

Happy Birthday Daniel✊🏽✊🏽

[@solarcubing7677]

When I see pictures of Daniel, he just looks like the fun kid to hang out with. What a shame.

[@badgirlhollywood9741]

He sure did have a sweet face he looked like the nicest white kid

[@jazxx9390]

I could listen to him speak forever . He articulates columbine so well. RIP To all the victims of columbine

[@Joe-nx3me]

I agree. I've listened to this many times over the years

[@jeremydoucet8918]

What’s heartbreaking about this - is how wonderful Daniel was in overcoming his fears and shyness and pursuing what frightened him. That’s an incredible quality to find in a 15 year old. But what is most heartbreaking is that Dylan Klebold shows the opposite path for a shy kid - becoming an angry depressive. If only Dylan had crossed paths with Daniel - instead of Eric Harris. He might have found the courage to overcome his demons.

[@silentassassin47]

True

[@larafox3246]

Daniel Mauser was the one that really stuck out to me and hit me hard (don't get me wrong, they are all tragic losses!) but the way that Tom talks about his son and the actions he is taking in his legacy are so admirable and Daniel would have grown into such an amazing man with Tom as a father. I hope he knows this. RIP Daniel x

[@nancymeyhoefer4102]

continue to walk in Daniel’s shoes.

[@larafox3246]

@@nancymeyhoefer4102

[@tamijones5317]

I watched the movie about Rachel Scot and it was sooo sad!

[@alesiap.6062]

I agree with you 100%, and I am pretty much against gun control. But there is something about the way in which Tom presents the argument for it that I can't come up with an argument against what he says. He is not a radical trying to stop me from my own self defense. He doesn't approach it in this hard line way that other do. I find myself thinking he is absolutely right on what he has said needs to change. I respect and admire him so much.

[@roxannemoser]

​@Alesia P. I'm against gun control, but somehow, we have to get guns away from kids, the mentally ill, and convicted felons.

[@toXic_VaLentine2017]

RIP DANIEL MAUSER 🙏🏻🌹

[@jodyfleming7135]

This man is a hero. No other way to put it. Keep fighting the fight, Tom. You are doing the right thing.

[@silentassassin47]

a hero and a fighter

[@meghanniven4950]

Mr. Mauser is out there sticking up for all of us. He and Randy Brown are “America’s dads”

[@minecraftweedemoji]

@@madelync7414 for real? Woah

[@sirswags9654]

Notice how most mass shootings are in gun free zones the only way to stick up for yourself against evil people and their evil plans/desires is to learn how to use a gun safely and effectively.

[@shortdrake461]

@E T what did he do??

[@TheHeavensFellen]

@@shortdrake461 loopholes in the Brady Bill

[@MustacheCashStash125]

Tom Mauser and Randy Brown for president

[@brittanyhyatt3407]

Seeing how he has aged somehow breaks my heart even more because it makes me think about what Daniel would look like today 💔

[@punkyagogo]

@Im a Train Fanatic is back He wouldn't look that old; he'd still be in his 30s.

[@anakinskywalker261]

@Im a Train Fanatic is back 36

[@tamijones5317]

Grief ages you.

[@brittanyhyatt3407]

@@tamijones5317 oh absolutely 😔

[@rubyroo8427]

This man is my hero . I was a senior in 1999 , not at Columbine . I remember this vividly . You sir are a hero .

[@ashleighvinson5801]

What a sweet soul, I could listen to this man talk for hours.

[@silentassassin47]

indeed

[@leighness1988]

What a lovely man. I am so heartbroken for him. You can only imagine how wonderful Daniel would have been if he had survived, he sounds like he was a gem.

[@Progo35]

As a person who has sought treatment for mental illness in the past, I am so, so grateful for Mr. Mauser's statement that society should stop blaming mental illness for mass shootings. It's such an important thing to hear from someone who has survived that kind of thing and I really appreciate the time and thought he expended to say that.

[@megmcc5969]

Ditto on all points stated💚💚💚

[@FreedomsLife1776]

Mental illness is the cause. There is no question about that. Either we can blame the real cause or inanimate objects: only one makes sense.

[@LoYaL-G]

This man is a legend in my book.. Keep it up Tom you're not alone...

[@thestormchasingconservativ6999]

I have so much love and respect for this man. R.I.P Daniel Mauser 🙏🏼💙😇

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm3153]

Me too bruh, me too

[@shellyweiers121]

Me aswell does of Kentucky

[@popscyclep8084]

You don’t even know this guy

[@sentient_pkmn]

Hopefully Tom can take some solace in the fact that Daniel reportedly attempted to "attack" for lack of a better word, Eric Harris before he was shot point blank. He fought until his dying breath and judging by Tom's description, it doesn't surprise me.

[@Grimreepa220]

Daniel did more than what id be able to do in a terrifying situation like that.

[@big_draws]

Daniels death really touched me as it was the first time I seen picture of him was laying in his casket in pictures after the massacre. So young, such a tragic event. Love from New Zealand to Daniels family

[@user-dr7uy4kj4y]

The strength of this father....I would still be a wreck even 20 years later.

[@TheMindIlluminated]

Man, this is just the most heartbreaking thing to watch.

[@Bluemoon2000x]

Imagine having to bury your son . that is fucking so sad . This poor man

[@trumancapote9097]

Daniel was very lucky to have such a wise, thoughtful, considerate and contemplative man for a father. Losing a child of any age is a horrible burden to bear, but especially a very young one with their whole life ahead of them. RIP to Daniel and the rest of the Columbine victims.

[@cruddy_2420]

Tom Mauser has been through so much. Rest In Piece Daniel Mauser

[@kyliejenner4963]

I wish I could give you a big hug. My prayers are with you everyday🕯

[@DG11500]

RIP to your sweet son. I can't imagine they pain you and your family went through. Thank you for sharing you story and honoring Daniel's memorie. Prayers for you and your family.

[@Cats4ever1985]

Dear Mr. Mauser: in the off-chance that you read the comments to this video, I wish to share a few words with you: First of all, I am truly sorry for your loss, the loss of 12 other families on that day, as well as the loss of countless other people who have lived through this tragedy. While this video and many others I have watched in rapid succession, did not go in depth into Daniel's personal life, out of respect for his right to privacy, from what little I could gather he was a remarkable young man, who was not afraid to push his limits and challenge himself. He sounds like he was an incredibly resourceful, clever and courageous young man. Secondly, I wish to express my deepest respect, admiration and appreciation of your worthy cause for stricter gun control. I am awed and inspired by your ability to go on in the face of such a loss, and actually use it as a point for making a point for making the world a slightly better place. Your words have so much power, warmth, kindness, pain and compassion, and your actions speak louder still than your words. You are a remarkable man Mr. Mauser, a leader and a hero, and I salute you.

[@patrishanotpatricia6456]

Dror Klein beautifully said.

[@DimitriEyonovich]

He has a KZbin channel that he responds to comments on!

[@sallyw4133]

Bless your heart. I’m so sorry about your loss of Daniel. You have honored him and what a wonderful young man he was. Thank you for working to keep other children safe. I’m touched about you wearing his shoes. Your honesty is breathtaking. My prayers are with you and your family.

[@meowxoxo9419]

i really do admire his son, i bet he was such a lovely gentle human.

[@williamclay1792]

If you know the story, Daniel went out like a G!!

[@bobafett3352]

What is it?

[@willwork4pizza]

@@bobafett3352 It’s rumoured that Daniel tried to throw a chair at Eric before being shot. Survivors from the library described a blonde haired boy moving some chairs from under the table. The allegation that he tried to throw the chair has never been proven to my knowledge - as incredibly brave as that would have been. It’s theorised that instead he was arranging the chairs to conceal himself better under the table. He was shot in his hand first so that could explain to why.

[@bloodyunicorn8111]

@@willwork4pizza it’s true , in the 911 call you can hear eric having a scuffle with someone. And then Eric goes “get your hands off of me!” And then you hear Eric say “Nice glasses” and then a gun shot.. which was when Daniel got shot in the face. And then you can hear Dylan say “did he just try to jump on you?” And Eric went “Yea”

[@willwork4pizza]

@@bloodyunicorn8111 Where is the transcript for that? They never released the full 3 hour phone conversation from the library

[@bloodyunicorn8111]

@@willwork4pizza you can also hear Dylan ask if he tried to jump on Eric and Eric goes “Yeal

[@lindsay556]

1999: when you relate more to the students of Columbine' mentality 2019: when you relate & understand the parents

[@sabercrosby8128]

indeed. high school kids from the 90s have a unique perspective on columbine. They are able to experience and reflect on the event as a teenager and an adult.

[@giannacosto9587]

Wish I could give him a hug

[@jmcmesquita96]

Strong man. So much respect for him

[@jonathancrane952]

João Mesquita me too! Boss man!

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm3153]

Somos 2 irmão..

[@Niels596]

Daniel continues to live through his father, as his father would continue to live through him. A worthy heir he is.

[@emilychurcher5708]

So much respect for Tom, Daniel will forever be remembered as the great young man he was 💕💕

[@growingmelancholy8374]

Such a beautiful man. I'm sad for his loss and I'm sad that Daniel's life was taken from him.

[@dianasaavedra5311]

When he said he wears his sons shoes I cried

[@NF40375]

Same I couldn’t believe they fit Daniel had mama size feet at 15 😮

[@nyijedi]

I haven't endured the loss of a child, but I have endured loss, and I found this very inspirational. I wish peace to Tom and his family.

[@babycakes904]

Daniels sweet smile rocks my soul. RIP sweet boy.

[@jenniferstewart2697]

A very loving father remembering his son

[@23melodicas]

What an incredibly strong, thoughtful person this man is. His son would undoubtedly be proud of his dad.

[@jessyc4092]

Thank you for your insight, Mr. Mauser. Daniel has been gone for longer than he was on this earth. But clearly, his light still shines so brightly in you. No doubt, he was as proud to have you for a father, as you are to call him your son.

[@wednesdaymonroe]

My heart breaks for this man and all the others lost in columbine. Such a senseless tragedy.

[@kalebarancelovic]

There's a common theme among the victims families. They're beautiful, strong people

[@dannygillmusic]

I agree, special people

[@NF40375]

Facts ☝🏾 Godly ones at that ☦️🤍

[@agathagalhardi]

So eloquent and articulate. A truly wise man that, despite of his own pain, found the strength to help others and honor his son's life. He can even realize that others may be in even more pain than he is. That's humility. God bless Tom and his family, and rip Daniel.

[@jawnmen190]

His book was decent and he actually replied when i emailed him. Take care Tom and family.

[@hollyobert]

He sounds like an angel. God bless you and your family.

[@JakeDisselt]

I love how active Tom is on social media. He seems like he was a cool af dad

[@terremostert]

by looking at his pictures i can see that he was an amazing and intelligent young man. he and the other 12 students did not deserve this. i cannot begin to describe the sadness i feel by imagining what this family had and will have to go trough for the rest of their lives. may they rest in peace.

[@michaeldailey2158]

Heavenly Father please continue to comfort and strengthen all affected by this tragedy !!!!!!!

[@charogomezruvalcaba9321]

Prayers and hugs for Mr. Mauser respectfully. ...Im sorry for the terrible loss. ... God Bless you Brave Man!!!

[@sekoudiarra8750]

RIP Daniel. He’s in peace now

[@14714623]

Tom and Daniel both inspire me and break my heart.

[@stormysmith9990]

Imagine how long these past 20 years have been for these parents who lost their children

[@kristiekane3735]

As a parent this is my biggest fear. I always say I don’t know how I could live after something like this happening. How inspiring and courageous. What a man?!?! Daniel was very lucky to have him as a father.

[@jabiraht2951]

I lost a brother to gun violence, not at Columbine and in a different way, but I relate to many things said here.

[@1800taylorswift]

You are a role model and a hero. Your strength is something I will never have. I’m so sorry you lost your son. Daniel would be so proud of you.

[@bulletsxdame]

R.I.P. Daniel. You were beloved by many. Your death was tragic and senseless. Your dad is an amazing man, doing amazing things in this world. My heart breaks for you and the 13 souls and Austin Eubanks lost to this very day. I included Austin because he died last year from an overdose, but he witnessed his friends die in the library that day. Such atrocities should never happen in a place where children go to learn. Or anywhere else.

[@TheHeavensFellen]

there's another student and a mom who they say each took their own live many years ago, but, because of the tragedies.

[@kngkrmson2179]

Tom is a nice man, I think he's a great father and husband.

[@NF40375]

Facts ☝🏾

[@lightbringer3304]

RIP Daniel Mauser....

[@helenamaria710]

Amazing to hear this man. His son looked like a beautiful young boy and to have lost him is impossible for me to imagine. This man has grown far beyond anger and he makes me cry and inspires my own person. Thank you for being!

[@rhiannonbrookes928]

Couldn’t agree more, Tom, although there were indeed others before it, there is just something about the Columbine Massacre that sticks. It has never left my head, and I honestly don’t think that it ever will.

[@ams554]

This is a great man.

[@ihavenopityforthemajority]

This was a great interview. Probably the best one I’ve watched on Columbine

[@caradarling]

So eloquently spoken and well-articulated. You are a wonderful man, you make many great points, and I know that Daniel would be so proud of you.

[@giannacosto9587]

I think he said so much truth in his story. So sorry he lost his son . Praying for your family

[@eej1983able]

Much love and respect to you Mr. Mauser. Rest in peace Daniel

[@tiazimmermann9041]

Wow, such an amazing father. You’re so inspirational, Tom. I know Daniel is so damn proud and although his shyness partying and celebrating you Tom loud up there in heaven. Thanks for speaking up, thanks for showing the world your son and thanks for never giving up. Dan would be as a amazing as you when he would have had the chance to grow up. Thinking of you and the tragedy so often, so I am finally leaving this comment. People out there, please be kind to each other... love from Germany!

[@kellyr3179]

What a strong an brave man. He really is an inspiration. Daniel I know you are proud of your father and I also believe you are at peace 🕊

[@ericdanielsbenavidez5867]

I remember this man and his son very clearly from Michael Moore's bowling for columbine. Such a senseless tragedy i will always remember.

[@bradnowellfan679]

Tom is an absolute gentlemen and I emailed him and he wrote me back , very nice person 💙💙

[@debbierolland4931]

I”m so so sorry. My heart goes out to you and your family. Just hearing you speak so eloquently about the loss of your son just brings me to tears. Know your son see everything you have done in his name and is so proud of you!

[@christinamcilwaine8235]

Thoughts and Prayers from Ireland 👼🙏🍀🍀 R.I.P 🇺🇸

[@inwardk]

Thank you so much. I could have listened for hours.

[@inwardk]

Thank you so much for these insights.

[@donanger1968]

Another incredibly inspiring person/story. Thank you, sir.

[@daymichelle3525]

Wonderful man..learnt a lot from you & send you best wishes from the uk x

[@valeriezuniga7]

just looking at him 💔 i’m so heartbroken for him. i wish him nothing but the best. i hope he lives a wonderful life

[@dennisrobbins7857]

Such a clear, articulate and open person! Obviously a great parent, hoping he is happy, healthy!

[@breechristie9486]

My hart goes out to this man his son seemed like a very nice boy my prayers are with you and your family. From Bree Christie in Canada

[@smassey6848]

I could not imagine going on with life and aging without my children. Much love to this family!

[@bella.bee333]

i have so much respect and love for this man. his angel son, his only son, was killed in the worst way possible. when he said this wasn’t just a shooting, it was a murder, i mean just the reality of it. it’s terrifying to me as a high schooler that this could happen at my school. at your school. at anyone’s school. it’s so scary

[@letstalkaboutitwithjaime]

i truly love this man.

[@gabrielasilva6167]

I admire this man so much!

[@annieandkathbitches]

I was born in 95 and from middle school onwards I was terrified of being shot in school. The reverberations of Columbine are impossible to quantify. I can’t imagine this man’s loss. The entire thing is so senseless.

[@zionyt9459]

Daniel looks like my friend Devin also r.i.p Daniel you may rest peaceful

[@amandabr9562]

I can barely contain my tears. "There's no other feeling like losing your child."😭😭😭 I wish that Columbine school, those coward cops, and Eric's psychiatrist would've taken action. I'm so sorry for all the victims including the Klebolds that have to live with this terrible tragedy. Edit: What motivating words this strong man stated.😭😭 Your relative does not want to see you wither away your life in grief.

[@lightbringer3304]

Agreed. It pisses me off that the emergency response was mediocre at best. RIP to Mr. Sanders and all of the kids who lost their precious lives.

[@jerseytomato100]

If the warrant to search Eric's room, website, etc had been acted on by the police instead of just filed away and forgotten, Columbine wouldn't have happened at all.

[@pixieanna2058]

This is a wonderful man. God bless him and his family.

[@TylerB2024]

This man is such an inspiration. To think the pain he's had to endure, and still does, yet regardless he has still managed to live such a wonderful life trying to make positive changes is really quite something. I hope he still gets to meet Daniel again one day.

[@Nimrodbodeinejr]

Thank your for your testimony Mr.Mauser your a great person seems like RIP to your baby boy Daniel

[@msaverielle]

Thank you for speaking out.❤

[@JBthree24]

Columbine and 9/11 shaped up our world today into the new millennium. Tom, how the HELL did you go to bed that night not knowing the whereabouts of your son? I can not imagine at all being a parent that day and from Then on... I was HEAVILY bullied in middle and high school and I fear sending my son to school BECUASE of it. Columbine really had an effect on me. I was 13 years old at the time. God bless Daniel

[@jawnmen190]

Didnt exactly say if or how much he slept that night but fair enough

[@xtina6569]

Alot of parents went to bed that night not knowing. It was different then, mobile phones weren't carried by everyone, the internet wasn't how it is with social media today. There was no way knowing if their kids were maybe staying with friends for the night etc. I was 15 then, much simpler time.

[@pennypike4664]

His story is so inspiring but heartbreaking at the same time

[@brigidvanparys2062]

All of those that lived through this tragedy, have my utmost respect for how they have moved on and that they knew to get help. I pray that they can have more peaceful life. ❤💔😭

[@juansalgado6212]

From all the videos I've seen from victims and family members, Tom has been the most matter-of-fact when it comes to the event. Not only honoring his son, but actively and vigorously taking the fight to lawmakers. I have nothing buy respect for Tom, his family and community. Be safe everyone.

[@rawn4203]

Very strong and brave man......having to live thru this terror and then all the years without Daniel who surely was going to be a big success in life.............such courage, and so sorry for you and all the other parents and obviously the victims of this senseless tragedy. Daniel is so proud of you and I hope you and him can meet again one day............

[@lisabolo26]

What a great man! He's said everything that needs to be said here. The Daniel's Shoes part just broke my heart! So many in this authoritarian country spend more time dominating than teaching, i.e., children learn love and respect when they are treated with love and respect, not when they are bullied and pressured into conformity, as too many are today. We need more peace in our neighborhoods, homes and public spaces.

[@neverrevenge7335]

rip buddy... 💔💐