Mount Horeb, Wisconsin – A tragic incident unfolded when police fatally shot a Wisconsin student outside a middle school in response to reports of an armed individual, as announced by the state’s attorney general. The situation, which led to the chaos of children fleeing amidst gunfire, marked a distressing event in the community.
After an active shooter, who did not manage to enter the building, was “neutralized” outside the middle school on Wednesday, the Mount Horeb authorities provided details during the first law enforcement briefing. Thankfully, no one inside the school sustained injuries during the incident, as confirmed by Attorney General Josh Kaul at a news conference. The Wisconsin Department of Justice has taken over the investigation into the shooting.
The Village of Mount Horeb’s President, Ryan Czyzewski, expressed gratitude for the safety measures that prevented the shooter from entering the school. He extended comfort and support to the students, teachers, staff, families, and the entire community following the traumatic event. The Mount Horeb Area School District, which had been on lockdown since 11:16 a.m. on Wednesday, began releasing students later in the day.
Despite the armed person not being identified, videos from news choppers provided an aerial view of the scene. Witnesses in the area, like Jeanne Keller from The Quilting Jeanne shop nearby, recounted hearing the gunshots and seeing children running in panic. The fear and chaos were evident as Max Kelly, a 12-year-old student, described how his class was interrupted by the sound of gunshots during a gym class.
Max Kelly’s account of skating to safety with his classmates to a nearby store and seeking refuge in a bathroom highlighted the terror experienced by the students. The sentiment of insecurity was echoed by his mother, Alison Kelly, reflecting on the shattered sense of safety in the community. The incident, occurring just 20 miles west of Madison, Wisconsin, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges around school safety in the country.