School shootings are events which are widely reported in the media. However, the focus on "simple explanations" tends to create a false image and supports the mystification of the perpetrators themselves. These individuals plan for their respective "appearances" in the media when making their preparations and they are well aware of the effect. This study combines an interdisciplinary approach, which provides an accurate representation of the phenomenon of school shootings in conjunction with the communication sciences framing approach, which allows the analysis of frames in the media and of the public interpretation of the topic. In addition, a content analysis of print and television media provides reliable data and, for the first time, a picture of how German coverage of school shootings has been undertaken. The outcome, concerning the question of what journalism does or could afford to do, provides a number of clear indications regarding what meaningful reporting can look like.