Police stopped a potential school shooting after shooting and killing an armed student before he could gain access to a Wisconsin middle school, authorities said.
At a Wednesday night briefing, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul announced that no one else was killed or harmed in the incident.
“This incident took place outdoors. The subject in this case never gained entry,” he said.
Few details about the suspect were given, except for authorities acknowledging he was a male and a minor.
“Due to safety precautions taken by our schools, the shooter was never able to enter the building,” Village of Mount Horeb President Ryan Czyzewski confirmed in a statement, according to WISN. “To our students, teachers and staff, their families, and the community, we extend our arms in comfort and support following this deeply distressing event.”
Mount Horeb Area School District was put under lockdown at around 11 a.m. after reports emerged of an armed student outside the middle school. According to eyewitnesses speaking with the Associated Press, hundreds of students were outside when the shooting began.
“It was maybe like pow-pow-pow-pow,” local Jeanne Keller said. “I thought it was fireworks. I went outside and saw all the children running. … I probably saw 200 children.”
After the shooter was neutralized, students stayed in the school for several hours as police searched for possible additional suspects. None were found, and students were gradually released over the course of several hours, with reunification efforts being taken as late as 6:30, according to the outlet.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Gov. Tony Evers (D-WI) was briefed on the situation.
“I have been briefed on the incident at the Mount Horeb Area School District and am closely monitoring the situation,” he said in a post on X. “I am praying for the health and safety of our kids, educators, and staff and grateful for the first responders who are working quickly to respond.”
