ARLINGTON, TX – A fatal shooting on the campus of James Bowie High School in Arlington, Texas, left an 18-year-old student dead on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Arlington Independent School District. The suspect, a 17-year-old fellow student, is now in custody.
The school was put on lockdown at 2:50 p.m. following the shooting that happened outdoors on the school premises. Arlington Police responded immediately, finding the victim unresponsive. Despite lifesaving efforts, the victim, shot five or six times, later died at the hospital. The suspect tried to escape from the scene of the shooting but was apprehended without resistance.
Arlington Police Department has not revealed the identities of either the victim or the suspect but confirmed that one count of murder will be leveled against the suspect. Superintendent of Arlington ISD, Dr. Matt Smith, expressed profound grief over the incident, extolling the necessity for schools to remain a safe haven for learners.
Student dismissal was delayed as classrooms were cleared one at a time by Arlington PD. Eventually, all students and staff were transported from Bowie High School to the Arlington ISD Athletics Complex, where family reunification took place. The shooting has ignited concerns over safety measures and the accessibility of firearms in the community.
Bowie High School will remain shut on Thursday and ongoing counseling support will be offered to students. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting Arlington police in the investigation.