Updated Jan 23, 2018
2 dead, 18 injured in Kentucky school shooting
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At least two students are dead and 18 others wounded after a shooting at Marshall County High School in western Kentucky Tuesday morning, according to State Police. The suspect, a 15-year-old student at the school, was taken into custody.
The latest: Officials said a 15-year-old girl died at the school, and a 15-year-old boy died later in a trauma center. The wounded people ranged in age from 14 to 18. Five people, including the boy who died, were flown to a hospital by helicopter.
What we know:
- Kentucky State Police Commissioner Rick Sanders said the suspect began shooting just before 8 a.m. in the common area of the school before classes started, and that first responders arrived on the scene within 10 minutes of the first shot.
- All of the shooting victims are believed to be students.
- Gov. Bevin did not share the name or motive of the suspected shooter, but said he would likely face murder and attempted murder charges.
- The school is located in Benton, KY, 120 miles northwest of Nashville.
Timing: The shooting comes just one day after a 15-year-old girl was wounded at Italy High School in Texas after a shooter opened fire in the cafeteria.
Reaction:
- "This is something that has struck in the heart of Kentucky,” said Lt. Michael Webb of Kentucky State Police. “It’s not far away, it’s here.”
- Bevin has been active on Twitter in response to the shooting, and was the first to confirm that one victim was killed.
- Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, from Kentucky, said his thoughts are with the victims and their families, and thanked the first responders on the scene.
