Authorities in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, have revealed that a student was fatally shot by police outside the Mount Horeb Middle School after pointing a pellet rifle at officers and refusing to drop the weapon. The incident, which occurred three days ago, resulted in the school being placed on lockdown for several hours.
The state Department of Justice has provided limited information about the shooting, stating that the student, whose identity and age have not been disclosed, did not manage to enter the school premises. Fortunately, no other individuals were physically harmed during the altercation.
According to reports, law enforcement officers were alerted to the situation when a caller reported an individual carrying a backpack and a long gun heading towards the school around 11 a.m. on the day of the incident. Upon arrival, officers instructed the student to drop the weapon, but the student failed to comply. Subsequently, the student aimed the pellet rifle at the officers, prompting them to discharge their firearms, resulting in the student being struck. Despite attempts to administer lifesaving measures, the student succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
The weapon in question was identified as a Ruger .177-caliber pellet rifle, and it was confirmed that the officers present at the scene were equipped with body cameras. As a precautionary measure, schools within the Mount Horeb district remained closed on Thursday and Friday following the tragic event.