Mount Horeb, Wisconsin – Attorney General Josh Kaul stated that authorities responded to a concerning situation at Mount Horeb Middle School, where reports indicated the presence of an individual with a weapon outside the school premises. Following this alarming report, the school promptly initiated a lockdown protocol, ensuring the safety of students by keeping them in their classrooms or evacuating them from the area.
Kaul further revealed that Mount Horeb police swiftly arrived at the scene and encountered the individual with the weapon, ultimately resulting in the use of lethal force. The individual in question was identified as a student within the school district, a minor reported to be 14 years old by sources. Fortunately, the student did not manage to gain access to the school building and was intercepted outside, where the incident transpired without causing harm to anyone else.
The Attorney General expressed the profound gravity of the situation, acknowledging the distress it could evoke among parents. While stating that there is currently no perceived threat to public safety, law enforcement authorities continue their investigation into the matter. In the aftermath of the incident, some police officers have been placed on leave, as is customary after the use of force, with the presence of body cameras during the event being noted.
Reflecting on the event, a parent, Ali Peterson, conveyed relief and gratitude that all children were unharmed and being reunited with their families. The School District Superintendent, Dr. Steve Salerno, announced the suspension of classes for the day following the incident, with plans to offer support to students and resume normal activities the following day. The community remains in shock over the events that unfolded, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and support in the face of such emergencies.