Police fatally shot a 14-year-old boy after approaching Mount Horeb Middle School after they responded to calls about an armed individual with a long gun on Wednesday morning.
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According to ABC News, authorities are currently investigating the incident, including a search of the vehicle linked to the teenager, and bomb technicians are involved in the search for potential evidence. In a statement, the Mount Horeb Area School District quickly assured the public that the threat was “neutralized” outside of the school premises, and no other injuries were reported other than the fatal shooting of the young suspect. An alert was also sent to residents, warning them that an active shooter was in the area. Witness Jeanne Keller said she heard gunshots and saw children ducking for cover: “It was maybe like pow-pow-pow-pow. I thought it was fireworks. I went outside and saw all the children running… I probably saw 200 children.”
During the emergency, the school district swiftly responded, secured the building, and said the young suspect did not enter it. After the incident, all school district buildings were placed under lockdown around 11:15 a.m. Students were taken to a secure alternative site and dismissed once police cleared the area.
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The district praised students and staff for their smooth transition during the emergency and told families, “You would be so proud of our students and staff, and we’re so grateful for our first responders.” A spokesperson from the Mount Horeb Police Department said in a statement that the officers involved in the shooting were equipped with body cameras and possibly played a role in the investigation.
The FBI has joined the investigation, working alongside state and local authorities. Superintendent Steve Salerno indicated that a decision regarding the full resumption of classes would be made soon, with hopes to reopen the school by Friday.