A student shot a teacher Monday morning at a Texas high school before fatally shooting himself, law enforcement said.
The teacher at Hill Country College Preparatory High School was hospitalized, and the student, a 15-year-old boy, died on the scene, according to a news release from the Comal County Sheriff’s Office.
“It appears that the student turned the gun on himself and shot himself,” Comal County Sheriff Mark Reynolds stated at an afternoon press conference.
The teacher’s health, which was not recognized, was unknown, and spokespeople for area emergency rooms did not immediately reply to inquiries.
Reynolds said the relationship between the teenager and the teacher is being investigated, including whether the boy was the educator’s current pupil.
Reynolds assured parents of the estimated 250 students at the school, located near Belverde and approximately 27 miles north of San Antonio, that the matter had been rapidly resolved. School was immediately placed on lockdown to protect everyone on campus, and the students were safely relocated to Bulverde Middle School and reunited with their families,” he stated.
The alleged shooter’s parents were among those waiting in the reunion line, according to the sheriff, and authorities will look into how the youngster obtained a pistol.
According to Principal Julie Wiley, the school was placed on lockdown at 8:34 a.m. after receiving a report of a shooting. Students interviewed by NBC affiliate WOAI in San Antonio reported hearing many gunshots.
At 9:38 a.m., the district announced that the school was secure and that students would be transported to Bulverde Middle School for pick-up by their parents.
The high school will be closed on Tuesday, according to Wiley, and counselors will be accessible to kids and families at a local library.
“Our hearts are with everyone impacted, especially that teacher, their family, and our school community,” she said.
