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School Shooting: 2 Teens Injured, Governor Responds

A quiet Thursday morning was shattered at Oakwood High School when gunfire erupted, resulting in a terrifying school shooting that left two students injured and a community in shock. Authorities have confirmed that a suspect, also a minor, is in custody. The incident has prompted a swift response from state officials, including the governor, who addressed the tragedy this afternoon.

Incident Details: What Happened at Oakwood High

The incident began at approximately 10:15 AM in a common area near the cafeteria of Oakwood High School in the town of Maple Creek. According to Maple Creek Police Chief Maria Flores, reports of shots fired triggered an immediate campus-wide lockdown. Students and faculty followed active shooter protocols, barricading themselves in classrooms and offices while law enforcement swarmed the area.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the initial sounds, mistaken by some for firecrackers, were quickly identified as gunfire. “Everyone just started running,” one student told local reporters. “Teachers were yelling to get inside, to get down. It was the scariest moment of my life.”

Emergency services, including tactical units from the Maple Creek Police Department and the County Sheriff’s Office, were on the scene within minutes. They methodically cleared the building, ensuring the safety of all students and staff before beginning the reunification process with anxious parents at a nearby community center.

Condition of the Injured Students

Two teenage students were injured during the event. Both were quickly attended to by paramedics on the scene before being transported to Maple Creek General Hospital for treatment. Officials have not released their names, respecting the privacy of the families involved during this difficult time.

Hospital officials provided an update early this afternoon. A 16-year-old male sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and is currently in stable condition. His injuries are considered non-life-threatening, and he is expected to make a full recovery.

A 17-year-old female sustained a more serious injury to the abdomen. She underwent emergency surgery and is currently listed in critical but stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit. “Our medical team is providing the best possible care, and we are cautiously optimistic,” said Dr. Alan Reed, Chief of Surgery at Maple Creek General.

Law Enforcement Response and Investigation Status

Chief Flores confirmed in a press conference that a suspect was apprehended on campus shortly after the incident. The suspect has been identified as a 15-year-old male student at Oakwood High. He was taken into custody without further incident. A handgun, believed to be the weapon used in the attack, was also recovered at the scene.

The motive for the shooting is currently under investigation. Detectives are interviewing students, staff, and the suspect to piece together the events that led to this tragic violence. “We are exploring all possible angles,” Chief Flores stated. “This is a complex investigation, and our primary goal is to understand why this happened to prevent it from ever happening again.”

The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have joined the local investigation, a standard procedure for a school shooting of this nature. They will assist in tracing the firearm and analyzing digital evidence.

Governor’s Response to the School Shooting

Governor Evelyn Thompson addressed the state this afternoon, expressing her profound sorrow and solidarity with the Maple Creek community. “I am heartbroken and outraged by the senseless act of violence at Oakwood High School,” the Governor began. “No student, parent, or teacher should ever have to experience the terror of a school shooting. Our hearts are with the injured students, their families, and the entire community.”

The Governor announced that she has directed state agencies to provide all necessary resources to support the local investigation and the community’s recovery. This includes making mental health professionals and crisis counselors available to students and families in the coming days and weeks.

“This is a solemn reminder that our work to ensure school safety is never done,” Governor Thompson continued. “We must have difficult conversations about mental health, community support, and the safety of our children.” She urged citizens to support one another and highlighted resources available through school safety advocacy groups like Sandy Hook Promise, which focus on preventative measures.

Community Reaction and Next Steps for the School

The Maple Creek School District has announced that all classes within the district will be canceled for the remainder of the week. Oakwood High School will remain closed indefinitely while the investigation continues and the district evaluates the next steps for a safe return.

“Our focus right now is on the well-being of our students and staff,” said Superintendent David Chen. “We will be offering comprehensive counseling and support services at the community center starting tomorrow. We are a strong community, and we will get through this together.” More information on these services can be found on the district’s website, along with updates on school safety protocols.

Community leaders have organized an interfaith vigil to be held Friday evening at Maple Creek Central Park. The event is intended to be a space for residents to mourn, process the day’s events, and show support for the victims and their families. The overwhelming sentiment is one of shock and a deep desire for healing and answers.

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