That pool was for zero-g training, I don't believe that was the actual capsule though I believe it was a simulator that caught fire and killed them it actually set back the program because they had to redesign the hatch so that they could escape quickly in case of emergency.
And so much hate towards someone who didn't hurt him. He's looking at the photographer as if he had killed his family, cat included... or more accurately, as if he was just a piece of shit on his shoe. This is really thrilling (and that's the type of picture they don't show in class books).
Also the Columbine one is too low resolution to accurately make out the shooters