A potential school shooting was stopped in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Thursday morning. A 13-year-old boy was arrested after attempting to enter Roosevelt Elementary School with a rifle. School staff confronted the teenager before he entered the building. After being approached, he fled the scene but was later apprehended nearby.
The boy, a student at Mahone Middle School, carried a bag containing a rifle. Upon arrival, school officials noticed the weapon and quickly contacted the authorities. The teenager attempted to enter through a secure entryway but was stopped by staff. After being confronted, he ran, leading to a rapid police response.
Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton expressed relief that no violence occurred. “We are thankful this situation ended peacefully,” Patton said. “This could have ended much differently, but thanks to the quick actions of school staff and law enforcement, a tragedy was prevented.”
School Staff’s Quick Action Prevents Disaster
The Kenosha Unified School District confirmed the boy did not pass the secure entry of the building. Superintendent Jeffrey Weiss praised the staff’s “heroic” response. According to officials, the suspect tried to enter through multiple locked doors before approaching the secure entry.
The secure entry has two doors: one leading to the school office and another leading into the school. A staff member stopped the boy at the first door, where he appeared nervous and fled. “They acted quickly and decisively,” Weiss said. “Their fast response likely prevented a much worse situation from unfolding.”
Investigation Reveals Concerning Behavior
Police later arrested the teenager in a nearby neighborhood. Authorities confirmed he had no reason to be on school grounds. Police Chief Patton said the investigation revealed troubling behavior from the suspect before the incident.
The boy had searched online for school shootings and made concerning remarks to classmates. Investigators also discovered a video of him practicing room-entry techniques, suggesting possible preparation for a violent act. “These are red flags that should have been noticed earlier,” Patton said. “There were clear signs of his intentions, including troubling online searches and statements. We were lucky to stop this before anything could happen.”
Schools on Secure Hold During Incident
In response to the incident, the Kenosha Unified School District placed all schools on a district-wide “secure hold.” While classes continued, no one could enter or exit the buildings until the situation was resolved. The secure hold was lifted at 2:40 p.m., and dismissal occurred as scheduled.
Reports also surfaced about a shooter at Gateway Technical College, but it was later confirmed to be a misunderstanding linked to the original elementary school incident. The school district coordinated with Kenosha Police, the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department, and Pleasant Prairie Police to ensure safety.
“We understand the fear and concern this caused in the community,” Chief Patton said. “We want to reassure everyone that we acted quickly to ensure the safety of all involved.”
Community Reactions and Statewide Praise
Following the event, Frank Elementary School announced the cancellation of afternoon 4K classes. The school reassured parents that safety precautions were in place, and police were actively searching for the suspect.
State Superintendent Jill Underly praised the actions of the school staff. “I am so grateful to the staff in Kenosha for stopping a young person with a firearm from entering the school,” Underly said. “Their rapid response saved lives and ensured that no one was harmed. This event is a stark reminder of the need for school safety, and today, the staff’s preparation and quick thinking made all the difference.”
Vigilance and Community Involvement Remain Key
Chief Patton emphasized the importance of community vigilance in identifying potential threats. He urged the public to report any concerning behavior that could prevent similar incidents.
“This incident shows just how critical it is for all of us to stay alert,” Patton said. “We were fortunate this time, but there were signs that should have been reported. We need the community to help us identify threats before they escalate.”
This event highlights the importance of secure school entries, vigilant staff, and community involvement. Thanks to the quick response from school staff and police, a potentially tragic situation was avoided in Kenosha.