On May 18, Santa Fe High School in Texas experienced a fatal shooting spree that left ten dead at the hands of 17-year-old Dimitrios Pagourtzis. Exactly a week later, Noblesville West Middle School in Indiana has become the latest victim of gun violence, as a teacher and teenage girl have been critically injured after a gunman opened fire.
The male student was detained shortly after firing off his rifle early Friday morning. Authorities believe there are no other suspects, but have revealed that there have been additional threats made at other schools in the area, including Noblesville High School. Police are monitoring the premises, but have reported that there is no concrete evidence to suggest that the threat credible.
The student victim has been rushed to Riley Hospital for Children while the teacher is being treated at Indiana University Medical Center.
Police and medical personnel promptly responded after receiving a call around 9 a.m. about an active shooter situation occurring at the middle school, which is located 25 miles north of Indianapolis.
Vice President Mike Pence tweeted about the incident, noting how he and his wife Karen "are praying for the victims of the terrible shooting in Indiana. To everyone in the Noblesville community, you are (in) our hearts and in our prayers. Thanks for the swift response by Hoosier law enforcement and first responders."
This is now the 23rd school shooting to happen in 2018, where innocent students and faculty were either injured or killed as a result.