Mount Horeb, Wisconsin – Attorney General Josh Kaul announced that police officers were called to Mount Horeb Middle School on Wednesday after receiving a report of an individual with a weapon outside the school. The incident prompted the school to go into lockdown, with some students remaining in their classrooms while others were evacuated.
Upon arrival at the scene, Mount Horeb police shot and killed the individual with the weapon, who was later revealed to be a student in the school district and a minor. Reports suggest that the student was 14 years old. The student did not manage to enter the school and was shot outside the premises. It has not been confirmed whether the student fired any shots towards the school or the police.
Fortunately, no one else sustained physical injuries during the incident. Attorney General Kaul described the situation as “any parent’s nightmare” but assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to public safety. However, the law enforcement investigation is still ongoing.
Following the use of force, some Mount Horeb police officers have been placed on leave, as per standard practice. They were equipped with body cameras during the encounter. The process of releasing students back to their families gradually commenced on Wednesday evening, starting around 5 pm.
One parent, Ali Peterson, expressed immense gratitude for the safety of all children, praising the school district for preventing what could have been a much more disastrous outcome. Meanwhile, School District Superintendent Dr. Steve Salerno announced the cancellation of classes on Thursday, with plans to provide support to the students and staff. The hope is to resume classes on Friday.