Eric Harris remains one of the most unsettling figures in modern American history. Alongside Dylan Klebold, he was responsible for the tragic Columbine High School massacre on April 20, 1999 — an event that changed the way the world views school safety, youth violence, and mental health forever. Harris’s life, writings, and behavior have since become a focus of deep psychological study, as experts have tried to understand what led a seemingly ordinary teenager to commit such an extraordinary act of violence.
Born into a typical American family, Eric Harris did not initially show signs of being a future killer. He played sports, had friends, and even held a part-time job. Yet beneath that surface, he hid a growing resentment and a dangerous obsession with control, power, and revenge. This article explores who Eric Harris really was — his early life, his friendship with Klebold, his psychological makeup, and the long-lasting impact of his actions on society.
Quick Bio Information
| Full Name | Eric David Harris |
|---|---|
| Date Of Birth | April 9, 1981 |
| Place Of Birth | Wichita, Kansas, United States |
| Parents | Wayne Harris and Katherine Poole Harris |
| Siblings | One older brother, Kevin Harris |
| Education | Columbine High School, Littleton, Colorado |
| Known For | Perpetrator of the Columbine High School massacre |
| Date Of Death | April 20, 1999 |
| Cause Of Death | Suicide |
| Age At Death | 18 years old |
| Notable Companion | Dylan Klebold |
Early Life And Family Background
Eric David Harris was born on April 9, 1981, in Wichita, Kansas. His father, Wayne Harris, was a U.S. Air Force transport pilot, and his mother, Katherine, worked as a homemaker. Because of his father’s military career, the family frequently relocated — living in Kansas, Ohio, Michigan, New York, and finally settling in Littleton, Colorado in 1993.
Growing up, Eric’s life appeared normal from the outside. He was described by teachers and neighbors as polite, intelligent, and somewhat reserved. However, constant moving made it difficult for him to form lasting friendships. Each relocation meant starting over, which may have contributed to his growing sense of isolation and resentment toward others.
By the time the family settled in Colorado, Eric was entering adolescence — a period marked by insecurity, identity struggles, and emotional volatility. These factors, combined with his introverted nature and perfectionist tendencies, may have begun shaping the darker parts of his personality.
Life In Colorado And The Search For Belonging
In Littleton, Colorado, Eric Harris attended Ken Caryl Middle School before enrolling at Columbine High School. Initially, he seemed to adapt well. He joined sports teams, played soccer, and worked part-time at Blackjack Pizza. But as time passed, subtle cracks began to appear in his behavior.
He became increasingly frustrated with what he saw as hypocrisy and arrogance in his peers. According to later journal entries, Harris viewed himself as intellectually superior to others. He often wrote about how much he despised “fake” people and how he dreamed of destroying the social structures he felt trapped within.
This was also a time when he developed an obsession with violent video games like Doom, not simply as entertainment but as a means to express dominance and control. These interests, combined with his growing anger and desire for power, began to manifest in alarming ways — through online writings and homemade videos that glorified destruction.
Meeting Dylan Klebold: The Dangerous Partnership
Eric Harris met Dylan Klebold at Ken Caryl Middle School in the early 1990s. The two quickly bonded over their shared sense of alienation and fascination with rebellion. Together, they formed a friendship that would become increasingly dark and destructive.
While Harris was outgoing, confident, and controlling, Klebold was shy, emotional, and deeply depressed. Many experts now believe Harris acted as the leader, while Klebold followed his lead — finding in him a sense of belonging he otherwise lacked.
The two spent countless hours playing video games, discussing their frustrations, and eventually fantasizing about revenge. Over time, their conversations evolved into concrete plans for violence. They began seeing themselves as soldiers on a mission to punish what they perceived as a cruel and unfair world.
Inside Columbine High School
At Columbine High School, both Harris and Klebold experienced the complex social world of teenage life. Although media reports initially painted them as bullied outcasts, later investigations revealed a more nuanced picture. They were not completely isolated — they had friends, went to parties, and were even part of school video projects.
However, Harris’s growing hatred for authority and social hierarchies became increasingly evident. His journal entries revealed contempt for athletes, teachers, and anyone he saw as arrogant or conformist. He viewed Columbine as a microcosm of everything wrong with society — a place where popularity ruled and authenticity was punished.
Harris’s resentment, fueled by his psychological instability, created a toxic mix that would soon lead to tragedy.
The Psychology Of Eric Harris
Perhaps the most important and disturbing aspect of Eric Harris’s story is his psychological makeup. According to the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit and various psychological studies, Harris displayed strong signs of psychopathy. He was manipulative, charming, and calculating — capable of hiding his true emotions to achieve his goals.
Experts describe Harris as someone who lacked empathy and remorse. He viewed human life as disposable and saw himself as a superior being. His writings often expressed ideas of “natural selection,” where only the strong should survive. This mindset, combined with his narcissism and fascination with destruction, made him particularly dangerous.
Unlike Klebold, who struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts, Harris wanted to dominate, control, and destroy. He didn’t just want to die — he wanted to make a statement that would echo through time.
Early Warning Signs And Criminal Behavior
Before the massacre, there were several warning signs that went unnoticed or underestimated. In 1998, Harris and Klebold were arrested for breaking into a van and stealing equipment. They were required to attend a diversion program, which they completed successfully. Harris even fooled counselors by writing apologetic essays and pretending to show remorse.
However, behind the mask of rehabilitation, his private writings told a different story. He filled notebooks with violent fantasies, hatred toward society, and detailed plans for revenge. He even built homemade bombs and posted threatening messages online — clear indicators of his growing instability.
These early signs, if recognized and acted upon, might have prevented what was to come. But at the time, such behaviors were not seen as serious threats.
Planning The Columbine Massacre
The planning of the Columbine massacre was disturbingly methodical. Starting in 1998, Harris and Klebold began stockpiling weapons and explosives. They acquired firearms through friends who purchased them legally, and they learned to build pipe bombs using online instructions.
They also recorded the infamous “Basement Tapes,” in which they explained their motives and envisioned themselves as revolutionaries. Harris, in particular, spoke with cold confidence about his desire to destroy and kill.
Their plan initially involved detonating propane bombs in the school cafeteria, designed to kill hundreds. When the bombs failed to explode as intended, the pair began their shooting rampage instead.
April 20, 1999: The Day That Changed Everything
On the morning of April 20, 1999, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold arrived at Columbine High School armed with guns, knives, and homemade bombs. At 11:19 a.m., they began shooting outside the school, then entered the building, targeting students and teachers.
The massacre lasted less than an hour but left 13 people dead and more than 20 injured before Harris and Klebold took their own lives in the school library. The tragedy shocked the world, marking one of the deadliest school shootings in American history.
In the aftermath, the question that haunted everyone was simple: why?
Aftermath, Investigations, And Legacy
Following the massacre, investigators combed through the shooters’ journals, videos, and online activities. The findings painted a complex picture: Harris as a remorseless psychopath and Klebold as a depressed follower. The FBI concluded that their motivations were not primarily about bullying, but rather about power, control, and the desire to leave a mark on history.
The Columbine shooting became a turning point for school safety and mental health awareness. It led to nationwide reforms in law enforcement response strategies, including the creation of active shooter protocols. It also prompted schools to take threats more seriously and to invest in counseling and early intervention.
Today, Eric Harris’s name remains synonymous with evil — not as a figure to study for fascination, but as a grim reminder of how unchecked anger and psychological disorder can destroy lives.
Final Thoughts
The story of Eric Harris is one of tragedy, complexity, and warning. Understanding his life and mindset is not about justifying his actions but about learning how such violence develops and how it might be prevented in the future. Harris’s transformation from a seemingly ordinary teenager into a calculating killer underscores the importance of mental health awareness, empathy, and early intervention.
More than two decades later, the lessons from Columbine continue to shape discussions about school safety, psychology, and the media’s role in shaping narratives about violence. By studying Eric Harris, society can better understand how to protect future generations — and ensure that such devastation never happens again.
FAQs About Eric Harris
Who Was Eric Harris?
Eric Harris was one of the two perpetrators of the Columbine High School massacre in 1999. He was a student at the school and is often described as the leader in the attack.
What Motivated Eric Harris?
Harris was driven by deep-seated hatred, narcissism, and a desire for power. His writings revealed a fascination with violence and a belief in his superiority over others.
Was Eric Harris Mentally Ill?
Experts believe Harris showed strong traits of psychopathy — including manipulation, lack of empathy, and grandiosity.
How Did Eric Harris And Dylan Klebold Meet?
They met in middle school and bonded over shared interests in computers and video games, later developing violent plans together.
What Was Found In Eric Harris’s Journals?
His journals contained violent fantasies, hatred toward society, and detailed plans for the massacre, along with expressions of superiority.
What Impact Did The Columbine Shooting Have?
It led to major changes in school safety procedures, law enforcement training, and awareness about youth mental health and threat assessment.
Why Is Eric Harris Still Studied Today?
Harris is studied by psychologists, criminologists, and sociologists to understand the mindset of school shooters and to help prevent future tragedies.
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