Three people were fatally shot at Aztec High School in Aztec, New Mexico, on Thursday morning.
New Mexico State Police confirmed two students and the suspected shooter are dead.
San Juan County police officers declined to provide much information about the victims, the shooter, or the weapon involved at a press conference Thursday afternoon. They did identify the suspect as male.
“No names today,” San Juan County Sheriff Ken Christesen said. “We haven’t identified everyone yet and fully informed the families.”
“I was hoping in 28 years I’d never have to do this,” he added, “but unfortunately we’re here today.”
Aztec Police Chief Mike Heal took time to acknowledge the fast responses of everyone involved, including teachers at the school. Heal said Aztec police were on scene in under a minute after receiving the call, and had to break a window to gain entry since the school was on lockdown.
“At schools, our primary rule, obviously, is to educate students and keep them safe,” added Aztec Municipal Schools superintendent Kirk Carpenter, his voice wavering at times. ”When you have something like this, it hits you in the heart.”
In an interview with KOB4, an Aztec High School student identified as Bailey said classes had just started for the day when the shooting began.
“We were getting to class and saying the pledge and … we started hearing banging,” she said. “We thought, ‘Oh, they’re working on the air conditioning.’ It was actually gunshots.”
“My teacher locked us up in her closet and we stayed there for about an hour until the police came and got us,” she said.
The shocked teenager said the shooting doesn’t fit with her perceptions of the school.
“We’re a good school,” she said. “We have amazing teachers, awesome people that work with us. It’s really sad that this happened today.”
Flora Vista resident Sarah Murray told HuffPost her niece is in 10th grade at the school and was unharmed in the shooting.
“I was just sick to my stomach until I heard from my sister she was ok,” she said. “Now I’m just worried about other kids whose parents I am friends with.”
“We all know each other in San Juan County,” she added.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
