Kent State Shooting 1970: National Guard Kills — Reading Comprehension

On May 4, 1970, National Guard soldiers fired on students during a protest at Kent State University in Ohio, killing four and wounding nine others. The Kent State shooting was a turning point in American history, revealing intense disagreements over the Vietnam War and the limits of government power. This event exposed deep divisions between those who supported the war and those who opposed it.

The United States had been fighting in Vietnam for years, but by 1970, many Americans—especially young people—questioned the conflict's purpose. College campuses became centers of activism, where students organized marches and demonstrations. When President Richard Nixon announced the U.S. invasion of Cambodia on April 30, 1970, protests erupted nationwide. Students at Kent State planned rallies, and tensions grew between protesters and local authorities.

On May 1, antiwar protests began in downtown Kent. Some demonstrations turned destructive, with property damage and confrontations with police. City officials, worried about further unrest, requested help from the Ohio National Guard. By May 2, Guard troops occupied the campus. The presence of armed soldiers increased fear and anger among students, who felt their rights to free speech and assembly were threatened.

The situation escalated on May 4, when students gathered for another protest. Despite orders to disperse, hundreds assembled on the campus Commons. The National Guard tried to break up the crowd using tear gas, but the students did not leave. Suddenly, some soldiers fired their rifles into the crowd. Thirteen seconds of gunfire changed everything. Four students—Allison Krause, Jeffrey Miller, Sandra Scheuer, and William Schroeder—were killed. Nine others were injured, some just walking to class.

Different groups saw the tragedy in different ways. Many students and faculty argued that the National Guard had used excessive force. They believed the soldiers overreacted and violated students' rights. A student who survived later said, "They didn't have to shoot. We were unarmed." This quote shows the fear and shock felt by those on campus. On the other hand, some local residents and government officials defended the Guard, claiming they were protecting lives and property during chaotic and dangerous protests. To them, the Guard's actions were a response to a real threat.

The Kent State shooting sparked nationwide outrage and debate. Across the country, hundreds of colleges closed as students went on strike to protest the violence. The event forced Americans to confront questions about government authority, the right to protest, and the meaning of democracy. In a statement, President Nixon expressed sadness but also stressed the need for "order and respect for law." This highlighted the conflict between public safety and individual rights.

In the aftermath, several investigations tried to determine what happened and who was responsible. No one was convicted for the shootings, but the event changed public opinion about the Vietnam War and government power. The tragedy at Kent State remains a powerful example of how protest and authority can clash, and how such moments can reshape society.

Interesting Fact: After the Kent State shooting, students at over 450 colleges across the United States went on strike or held protests, making it one of the largest student movements in U.S. history.

What year did the Kent State shooting occur?

How many students were killed?

Which war was protested?

What caused the protests at Kent State?

Why did officials call the National Guard?

What does the primary source quote show?

The National Guard acted to protect lives.

What is activism?