Mount Horeb, Wisconsin – The tragedy at a middle school in Mount Horeb has left the community in shock and seeking healing. The school district decided to cancel classes in the wake of a devastating incident where police officers fatally shot a 14-year-old boy who attempted to enter the school armed with a gun. The heartbreaking event unfolded just before noon in Mount Horeb, a small village just southwest of Madison in Dane County.
The profound impact of the shooting was felt by students, parents, and residents of the close-knit community of Mount Horeb. Witnesses described moments of terror as they heard about an active shooter, prompting an urgent evacuation from the school premises. The school district confirmed that all students, except for the boy shot by the police, were unharmed. The name of the deceased boy has not been released to the public.
Following the tragic incident, there was an outpouring of support and solidarity in Mount Horeb. The district opened up the high school for what they termed as a “chance for community cohesion,” aiming to provide a space for healing and reflection. Community activist Mitzi Forbes emphasized the deep sense of distress and shock felt by everyone, urging compassion and understanding in the wake of the tragedy.
Superintendent Steve Salerno addressed the community’s need for healing and support on social media, outlining plans for a gradual return to normalcy. Classes were postponed until Monday to allow time for staff and students to process their trauma. When classes do resume, Salerno assured additional security measures to reassure students and ease anxieties. The superintendent also emphasized the profound grief and difficulty faced by the family of the boy who lost his life in the tragic incident.
As the community rallies together to support one another, Mount Horeb remains united in healing and resilience. The school district has scheduled additional support services for students and staff members to provide a safe space for processing emotions and coping with the aftermath of the shooting. This tragedy has deeply affected the entire village of Mount Horeb, prompting a collective effort towards healing and recovery from this unforeseen crisis.