Shooting at MI High School Leaves 3 Dead; 6 Injured

DETROIT — A 15-year-old Oxford High School sophomore, armed with a semiautomatic handgun, is accused in a shooting at his school Tuesday afternoon that left three students dead and six other people injured, including a teacher.

The events unfolded in about five minutes, and the suspect, who police said was not injured, is in police custody.

Authorities said it appeared he was working alone and are interviewing students and scouring social media for clues. They also did not identify a motive or indicate whether anyone was targeted, but some students said the suspect was bullied.

Meanwhile, pastors organized a 7 p.m. prayer vigil for the mourning community.

It's unclear whether there were any warning signs, but some parents and students said before the shooting they had heard before Tuesday rumors that there would be one at the school.

For most of the afternoon, law enforcement surrounded the school, helicopters swirled and worried parents took to social media to find out what was going on.

"My heart breaks for the students, teachers, staff, and families of Oxford High School," Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement, calling gun violence is a public health crisis. "The death of multiple students and the shooting of many others, including a teacher, is horrific."

She added: "As Michiganders, we have a responsibility to do everything we can to protect each other from gun violence. No one should be afraid to go to school, work, a house of worship, or even their own home."

President Joe Biden was briefed by Jake Sullivan, his national security adviser.

Oxford High School students who were interviewed by reporters afterward described a chaotic and confused scene in which a voice came on over the intercom to announce an active shooter.

At first, they said, they didn't know whether it was a drill.

But when they realized it wasn't, they were struck by fear and panic.

They said teachers locked and barricaded doors, covered windows — and some students hid. Those with cell phones quietly texted to alert their parents and friends what was happening. Students were in tears.

Some students said they could hear loud bangs.

By early afternoon, the Oakland County Sheriff's Department said it had taken the suspect — and the handgun — into custody. Officials said they were shocked and devastated and asked for prayers.

The suspect, police said, turned himself over to authorities and asked for an attorney.

Some parents later said even before the shooting that rumors had been circulating that a school shooting was going to happen, and some students even said that they decided not to attend school Tuesday.

Robin Redding, the parent of a 12th grader, told the Associated Press that there had been rumblings of trouble at the school.

“He was not in school today," she said of her son. "He just said that 'Ma I don’t feel comfortable. None of the kids that we go to school with are going today.' "

Oxford High School has about about 1,600 students who come from Oxford, which is north of Detroit, Oxford Township and parts of Orion, Dryden, Metamora and Addison townships.

The initial 911 call about the shooting, authorities said, came in at about 12:51 p.m., and was followed by at least 100 more. More than a 100 police officers, including the FBI special agent in charge, and ambulances responded.

The victims were taken to local hospitals.

Shortly before 1:45 p.m., a long line of students could be seen walking west on Ray Road to Meijer. Police vehicles, fire trucks and ambulances surrounded the school, with officers in tactical gear going in and out of the school.

Abbey Hodder, a 15-year-old sophomore, was in chemistry class when she thought she heard glass breaking.

"My teacher kind of ran out and was scrambling," she said. "The next thing I knew I saw he was pushing tables. It's part of school protocol to barricade, so we all knew, barricade, barricade down. And we all started pushing tables."

They then lined up along a wall and grabbed something to throw, also part of the active shooter training they’ve done, Hodder said. But not long after, she added, her teacher told them to jump out a window and run.

Authorities said there didn't appear to be other threats, but were double and triple checking the school, where some students were reportedly hiding, according to parents who were in contact with them.

Students with transportation were allowed to leave.

Others were told to gather at a Meijer store, which is within walking distance of the school.

Throughout metro Detroit, residents and public officials have expressed condolences.

"We are deeply saddened by today’s tragic events in Oxford," the Detroit Tigers tweeted. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire community impacted by this tragedy."

Rep. Lisa McClain said she "can’t imagine the pain their families are going through."

"This is an incredibly sad day for Oxford and our entire state," she said. "I want to thank our first responders for their bravery during this tragedy and ask you all to keep Oxford in your prayers."

Others praised the first responders and level-headed teachers.

"In this moment of tragedy, there are heroes showing who they are," U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin tweeted. "Thank you to everyone who is stepping up to help in our community’s time of need."

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