Mount Horeb, Wisconsin – A tragic incident unfolded at Mount Horeb Middle School, where a 14-year-old student was fatally shot by police after pointing a pellet rifle at officers. The state Department of Justice revealed that the teen failed to comply with commands to drop the weapon, resulting in the officers firing their weapons. Despite attempts to save the young boy, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The call to authorities came in at 11:11 a.m. on Wednesday, reporting a person heading towards the school with what appeared to be a long gun. Police located the student near the school’s entrance and took action to prevent a potential school shooting. The eighth-grader, identified as Damian Haglund, tragically lost his life before he could enter the school premises, as confirmed by Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul during a press conference.
Following the incident, Mount Horeb Middle School and other schools within the Mount Horeb Area School District were placed on lockdown as a safety measure. This led to a sense of fear and unease among parents waiting to reunite with their children, who expressed concerns over the loss of security in their community.
Residents of the small village, situated southwest of Madison, were left in shock by the unfolding events. As families were reunited and the lockdown was lifted, emotions ran high with many children in tears as they returned to their guardians. The community grappled with the aftermath of the tragedy, reflecting on the impact it had on their sense of safety and stability.
In the wake of this heartbreaking incident, the officers involved in the shooting have been put on administrative leave, in line with standard protocol. As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the student’s actions and subsequent response by law enforcement, the Mount Horeb community mourns the loss of a young life and grapples with the repercussions of the tragedy.