According to sources, a 14-year-old suspect was killed in a police confrontation on Wednesday after reports of an active shooter outside a middle school in Wisconsin.
According to sources, the teenager was seen approaching Mount Horeb Middle School carrying what looked like a long gun.
According to Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, the male suspect in the Mount Horeb Area School District is currently under investigation. Sources have reported that bomb technicians are searching a vehicle linked to the suspect in search of evidence.
During a press briefing on Wednesday evening, Attorney General Josh Kaul stated that officers from the Mount Horeb Police Department had responded to a report of an individual with a weapon outside the middle school. In their response, they used deadly force.
According to the school district, the police were called in to assist with addressing an active shooter situation at the school. Fortunately, the threat was immediately eliminated outside the building. Thankfully, no students or staff members were injured during the incident.
According to a Facebook post by the district, the person did not breach the entryway.
Kaul, in his statement to reporters, refrained from confirming whether the suspect had fired any shots. He explained that he is currently constrained in sharing specific details due to the ongoing investigation.
According to the district, no further suspects have been found after conducting an initial search of the middle school. It has been confirmed that all students and staff members are safe. The law enforcement authorities are actively investigating the incident and assure the public that there is no current threat to public safety.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation is taking charge of the investigation into the entirety of the incident, as stated by Kaul. Following standard practice in a use-of-force incident, some Mount Horeb police officers are currently on leave.
School district buildings were placed on lockdown at approximately 11:15 a.m. local time, as stated by the district. Officials instructed students to stay indoors while the police conducted their investigation and allowed them to be dismissed only after receiving approval from the police. The district has now begun to release certain students.
Mount Horeb School District Superintendent Steve Salerno has stated that a decision regarding the complete return to school is imminent. The district is hopeful that classes will be able to resume by Friday.
During the press briefing on Wednesday, Salerno expressed admiration for the incredible staff who have come together to support our wonderful children.
According to him, taking proactive safety measures is essential for preventing a more severe outcome. This includes installing security enhancements like vestibules and locked front doors.
Salerno emphasized that the situation could have been much more devastating.
The FBI confirmed to ABC News that they were on the scene, providing assistance to state and local partners.
The village of Mount Horeb, situated approximately 20 miles southwest of Madison, found itself in a “horrifying situation” on Wednesday. However, officials praised the school district and emergency personnel for their “swift and courageous” response to the active shooter incident.
“The shooter was prevented from entering the building, thanks to the safety precautions implemented by our Schools,” stated Mount Horeb Village president Ryan Czyzewski and Mount Horeb Chamber Board chair Kara Brandemuehl in a joint statement. They further emphasized the exceptional professionalism and dedication displayed by our community’s first responders and School District through their remarkable collaboration and coordination.”
I have been briefed on the incident at the Mount Horeb Area School District and am closely monitoring the situation.
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.
— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) May 1, 2024
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers stated that he is closely monitoring the situation.
In a statement, he expressed the hope that our children, teachers, and staff would never have to experience a day like this when they go to school.
Evers expressed his complete support for the school community as they navigate through what has unquestionably been a frightening and distressing day for all those affected.
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