A mother is fighting for her life after suffering a gunshot wound to the head outside of a New York City school in what police believe was a suicide attempt.
The 36-year-old woman, who has not been named, was reportedly seen arguing with a man believed to be the father of her child before the shooting on Tuesday, ABC News reported. Around 4pm, she was found lying injured on a bench next to JHS 278 Middle School in Brooklyn.
The woman was transported to Brookdale University Hospital, where she remains in critical condition. A man who was at the scene was placed into an ambulance before being questioned by police.
NYPD Assistant Chief Michael Kemper told a press conference that investigators believe the shooting could have potentially been a suicide attempt.
According to ABC, the woman had allegedly sent a text to a family member moments before the ordeal, saying: “I’m sorry I had to do this...I’m in such a better place. I’m not hurting no more...Please don’t be mad.”
Students who were on school premises at the time of the shooting had to stay inside until the area was cleared around 7pm, the New York Post reported.
A sixth grader told the Post that school officials did not reveal why they were being kept inside.
“Everyone was scared because they didn’t know what was happening and they just told us they couldn’t tell us what was happening,” the student said.
In a statement, the Department of Education said the lockdown had been enforced to ensure the safety of students.
“Following an off-campus non-school related incident in the community, this school went into a shelter-in, which has now been lifted.”
If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
