Tennessee high school student shot & killed after injuring police officer
A student allegedly shooting inside the Austin-East Magnet High School in Knoxville, Tennessee was killed by a police officer, who was wounded in the exchange of fire. The school was evacuated and classes canceled.
An officer responded to a report of someone armed on school grounds and was shot by the suspect, Knoxville PD said. He returned fire and fatally shot the suspect, who was later confirmed to be a student. Another male teenager was “detained for further investigation,” police said.
Multiple agencies are on the scene of a shooting at Austin-East Magnet High School. Multiple gunshot victims reported, including a KPD officer. The investigation remains active at this time. Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/ViQirnQSpx
— Knoxville Police TN (@Knoxville_PD) April 12, 2021
The Knoxville News-Sentinel had reported that two people were shot – a student and a police officer on duty at the school – citing law enforcement sources, before the official police statement came shortly after 5:30 pm local time.
The officer was reportedly shot in the hip and is recovering.
"He is conscious and in good spirits. ... He's going to be OK. I thanked him for putting his life on the line to protect students and staff at the school. He said he'd rather be hurt than anybody else," Mayor Indya Kincannon told CBS News.
- Officer Involved Shooting at Austin East High School - @TBInvestigation will be the lead investigating agency and provide further information as it becomes available. pic.twitter.com/Hjetzf1vNT
— Knoxville Police TN (@Knoxville_PD) April 12, 2021
A 'reunification site' for parents and their children was established by first responders at a baseball field behind the high school, according to police. Local media reported students "trickling out" of the school.
Superintendent of Knoxville County Schools Bob Thomas appeared to confirm this, tweeting that students "not involved in the incident have been released to their families."
Both in-person and online classes have been canceled for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Also on rt.com School shooting reported on FIRST DAY back in the classroom in ArkansasTennessee Gov. Bill Lee addressed the shooting at a Monday press conference calling for prayers for victims and their families.
"Pray for that situation, for the families and victims who might be affected in our state," he said.
Knoxville recently approved $1 million for “violence prevention” efforts, spurred by the deaths of four teens with ties to Austin-East earlier this year. All four were African-American.
Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!
