Two people are in critical condition and a gunman is in custody after a shooting Friday morning at Noblesville West Middle School, located northeast of Indianapolis. The victims reportedly are a 13-year-old girl and an adult teacher. Their conditions are unknown.
Noblesville Police Chief Kevin Jowitt said the situation unfolded fast when a student asked to be excused from a classroom and returned with two handguns. Jowitt said the investigation is ongoing and he won’t comment on what happened next. The student is being detained by authorities.
Students were bused to nearby Noblesville High School to be reunited with their parents. The shooting comes a week after 10 people were killed at a school in Santa Fe, Texas.
Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of Indiana Dr. Jennifer McCormick released the following statement on the shooting: “Today an unfortunate shooting at a school has occurred in Indiana. State Superintendent Dr. Jennifer McCormick is is contact with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and is actively monitoring the situation. We have confidence in Noblesville Schools Superintendent Dr. Beth Niedermeyer and her team, law enforcement and first responders. The Department stands ready to provide guidance and support, and we will provide further statements as information unfolds.”
Indiana Senate Democrats also released the following statement: “Our hearts are breaking for the students, teachers and families affected by the shooting at Noblesville West Middle School. Our immediate concern is for the victims injured in an affected by this tragic event. As a state we must find ways to ensure comprehensive safety and security of our schools. Legislators must admit and take seriously that we have to keep guns out of our schools, and restrict access to deadly weapons by dangerous individuals. No child should go through something this traumatizing and it’s our job to stop it.”
State Senator Jim Buck (R-Kokomo) made the following statement regarding the shooting: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the shooting today at Noblesville West Middle School. This shooting is heartbreaking, and it is my hope we can continue striving to provide a safe educational environment for teachers and students.”
Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch offered the following statement: “My sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to the Noblesville community. Indiana remains committed to the safety and protection of our young people and I can not thank our law enforcement agencies enough for their swift action in this matter.”
Congressman Todd Rokita released the following statement: “Hoosiers are standing strong with the Noblesville community. We continue to pray for and support Noblesville West Middle School and the student and teacher who are currently hospitalized. I commend our first-responders who swiftly and diligently worked together to keep the students and faculty safe.”
NOTE: Information courtesy of Metro News, WISH, WLFI, Dr. Jennifer McCormick, Indiana Senate Democrats, State Senator Jim Buck, Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and Congressman Todd Rokita.