MOUNT HOREB, Wisconsin – A tragic event unfolded at Mount Horeb Middle School when a student, identified as Damian Haglund, was shot and killed by police after bringing a rifle to the school. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, left the small community of Mount Horeb, population 7,700, in shock.
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul stated that Haglund, an eighth-grade student, was fatally shot by police after pointing a pellet rifle at officers. Haglund, aged 14, never managed to enter the school and no other individuals were harmed during the incident.
The armed student’s actions prompted a swift response from Mount Horeb law enforcement. Following the shooting, officers involved were placed on leave, as is customary after the use of deadly force. Kaul refrained from providing details on the number of officers involved, whether the student fired shots, or any prior interactions he had with law enforcement.
A sense of relief resonated through the community as an emergency alert was issued, warning residents of the active shooter situation. The alert advised people to stay indoors, lock doors, and avoid the area until further notice.
The tragedy had a profound impact on students and parents in the Mount Horeb Area School District. Alyssa Kopczynskie, a parent, described the harrowing experience of receiving a distressing call from her daughter, who was inside the school during the incident. The district decided to cancel classes for a second day in a row, with the scheduled high school prom being rescheduled for a later date.
As the community copes with the aftermath of the incident, questions remain about the circumstances leading to the fatal shooting of the young student. The school’s security measures and law enforcement’s response to the situation will undoubtedly be scrutinized in the days to come.