Minnesota middle school student allegedly fires shots in hallway, no one hurt: Police

A school resource officer was able to deescalate the situation, officials said.

April 26, 2021, 3:49 PM

One student is in custody after allegedly firing multiple shots inside a Minnesota middle school Monday morning, officials said.

No one was hurt, and Plymouth Middle School has since been deemed safe, Plymouth Police Chief Erik Fadden said at a news conference.

The student -- whose identity was not released -- allegedly brought a loaded handgun to school and fired shots into a hallway ceiling, said Stephanie Burrage, interim superintendent of Robbinsdale Area Schools.

Children witnessed the incident, which took place at about 8:44 a.m., according to Burrage.

The first person on-site was a staff member, followed by a school resource officer, she said.

PHOTO: Law enforcement officials stand nearby after reports of a shooting at Plymouth Middle School in Plymouth, Minn., April 26, 2021.
Law enforcement officials stand nearby after reports of a shooting at Plymouth Middle School in Plymouth, Minn., April 26, 2021.
KSTP

Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson said "thank God" a school resource officer was there to "deescalate," calling it the best possible resolution.

Officers did not have to use any force, police said.

Authorities are not looking for any other suspects, according to Fadden. The school is on lockdown, he said, warning that there will be a visible police presence throughout the day.

A weapon was recovered from the scene, he added.

"Our district takes every weapon-related incident seriously. We are cooperating with law enforcement and also conducting our own investigation," Burrage said in a statement.

"We know this was a scary and traumatic event for everyone at Plymouth Middle School, and across the district," she said. "Please know that each district school has a support team that includes school counselors, school psychologists, social workers and others who are available to work with students as they cope with the things they’re feeling and experiencing due to this incident."

The school is located about 10 miles from Minneapolis.