A student carrying a pellet gun was shot dead by police outside of a Wisconsin middle school after pointing his weapon at officers, prosecutors revealed. The incident occurred outside Mount Horeb Middle School, leading responding officers to instruct the student to drop his weapon, which he did not comply with. The student then pointed the weapon at officers, prompting law enforcement to discharge their firearms, resulting in his death. Fortunately, no one else was injured in the incident, but the officers involved were placed on administrative leave as part of the agency’s policy.
The Division of Criminal Investigation is currently investigating the shooting, which unfolded after authorities received a 911 call reporting a suspicious figure with a long gun heading towards the middle school. Although the gunman has not been identified, prosecutors confirmed that he was a juvenile male who ultimately never made it into the school. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with students fleeing for their lives, some even escaping on in-line skates. Parents shared stories of their children hiding in closets, hesitant to use their phones to contact them during the ordeal.
One 12-year-old student, Max Kelly, recounted how his class was practicing in-line skating in the school gym when they heard gunshots. Following their teacher’s instructions to evacuate, the students skated to safety on the street, discarding their skates before running to a nearby convenience store and gas station where they found refuge in a bathroom. Mount Horeb, a small town located west of Madison, boasts a population of around 7,600 and is known for being the central office for outdoor apparel retailer Duluth Trading Company.
The tragic incident outside Mount Horeb Middle School serves as a reminder of the potential dangers faced by schools and students in today’s society. The quick response of law enforcement prevented a potential tragedy from unfolding within the school, highlighting the importance of preparedness and training for such situations. As the community processes the events that transpired, there are likely to be discussions about school safety measures and mental health awareness to prevent similar incidents in the future. The impact of such traumatic events on students, parents, teachers, and the wider community cannot be overstated, underscoring the need for ongoing support and resources to address the aftermath of the shooting.
