Arlington, Texas – A tragic incident at Bowie High School in Texas left an 18-year-old student dead after being shot multiple times by another student. The shooting occurred on Wednesday around 2:50 p.m. near a portable building outside the school, leading to a lockdown as students were about to be dismissed for the day. Arlington Police Chief Al Jones and Arlington ISD Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith provided details in a press conference following the shooting.
When School Resource Officers arrived at the scene, they found the 18-year-old male student with gunshot wounds lying unresponsive on the ground. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, the student succumbed to his injuries. The suspected shooter, a 17-year-old, attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended near the campus and will face murder charges once booked into the Arlington City Jail.
Families were directed to reunite with their children at a district building miles away from the school campus, as authorities promised to share more information as it becomes available. Arlington Police Chief Al Jones emphasized that the community cannot tolerate such violence, stating, “Violence is never the right answer.”
Arlington Police Chief Jones expressed solidarity with the Bowie High School community, stressing the need to work together to ensure schools remain safe environments for learning. In a statement, Dallas ISD extended their deepest condolences to the school district, offering thoughts, prayers, and support during this difficult time. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing and preventing such incidents to protect students and communities.