Mount Horeb, Wisconsin – A tragic incident unfolded near a Wisconsin middle school in Mount Horeb, resulting in the shooting and killing of a 14-year-old rifle-carrying “active shooter” by law enforcement on May 1. The youth, identified as Damian Haglund, an eighth-grade student at Mount Horeb Middle School, was named by multiple sources. Authorities have not officially released the alleged shooter’s name.
Eyewitnesses reported that the active shooter was a fellow eighth grader, as per Madison365. Additionally, Mile Split WI lists Haglund as an athlete in the Mount Horeb class of 2026. The Wisconsin Department of Justice has confirmed that the suspect, a middle school student, was fatally shot by police after bringing a weapon to the school premises but never gaining entry to any school buildings.
Disturbing Snapchat messages attributed to Haglund emerged prior to the shooting, including cryptic posts in Finnish and Bosnian. The Mount Horeb Area School District confirmed an active shooter in the vicinity of the middle school but assured that the individual did not breach any school property. Reports indicate that Haglund attempted to break through a cafeteria window during lunchtime using a long gun, further escalating the situation.
Law enforcement sources revealed that Haglund allegedly stole his grandfather’s car to drive to the middle school armed with a rifle. The district stated that the alleged assailant was injured but no one else was harmed. Congressman Mark Pocan commended the swift response of first responders following the incident. A student recounted the harrowing experience of hearing a teacher yell “run” before seeking refuge at a nearby residence.
In the aftermath of the tragic events at Mount Horeb Middle School, the community grapples with the repercussions of the shooting, emphasizing the need for greater awareness of school safety protocols and mental health resources for students. As investigations into the incident continue, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances surrounding Haglund’s actions and preventing similar tragedies in the future.