AZTEC, N.M. (AP) — A shooting at a high school in a small New Mexico town left two students and the suspect dead, authorities said Thursday as schools throughout the area remained on lockdown as a precaution.
State police did not release any details about the shooter but confirmed the other two people who were killed attended Aztec High School. No other injuries were reported, officials said.
The school of about 900 students was cordoned off as authorities cleared the buildings and teens were taken to another location.
A crowd of nervous parents gathered outside City Hall to wait for more information as officers tried to reassure them about the safety of their children.
“The families of the victims were notified immediately. They are in our thoughts and prayers,” state police said in a statement on social media.
State and federal authorities are investigating what led to the shooting and did not immediately release any details about the circumstances. A news conference was planned.
Aztec is a rural community of 6,500 people in the heart of northwestern New Mexico’s oil and gas country and near the Navajo Nation. Its main street is lined by old brick buildings that date back more than a century.
Residents voiced disbelief on social media, while members of the New Mexico congressional delegation, state Attorney General Hector Balderas and other elected officials offered their condolences and other assistance.
“While details are still coming in, we grieve for the innocent victims in this senseless act of violence. Too many lives have been disrupted and too many futures cut short,” U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Lujan said in a tweet.
I can see people are interested.
sigh
This is the second mass killing in a smallish New Mexico town in 6 months. First the Clovis public library and now this.
I hate guns.
But there was that FOIA released video today of Sessions condescending to (law student) interns - Second Amendment GREAT Marijuana EVIL.
I can’t recall the last time a joint shot up a school.
Can we discuss gun control since we already have ‘thoughts and prayers’ taken care of?
This government could not be more out of touch with Americans if it had been brought in here from say, Romania, on a trailer behind an 18-wheeler, like a house that was picked up and moved lock stock and barrel.
FIFY