KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A teacher suffered a "very minor" wound Friday and an unnamed student is in custody after a gun went off inside a backpack at West High School, according to the Knoxville Police Department.
KPD said it began investigating after responding to an incident Friday morning in a classroom. Police said the gun was in the student's backpack before it fired, saying the shooting was "not intentional" and discharged inside the backpack.
They later said at around 4:11 p.m. that the student is a 14-year-old male, and said his identity is being withheld "due to his juvenile status." They also said that the student had his hand in the backpack when the gun went off.
According to Knox County Schools security officials, security received a report around 9:20 a.m. through an alert system about the incident. Security said teams responded immediately to several reports of loud noises and pops.
KPD said a bullet or bullet fragment grazed the teacher. No one else was hurt, and police said they took the student into custody. The gun has been recovered.
The student has been charged in a juvenile petition with reckless endangerment, reckless aggravated assault and possession of a weapon on school grounds, according to KPD. Under state law, the student's name is not public.
West High School Principal Ashley Speas sent a letter about 10:20 a.m. to parents after the gun discharged. The letter did not mention a gun being involved, describing the situation as an "incident" and saying it "involved an extremely loud noise."
"Law enforcement and School Security have investigated and determined there to be no threat. Please know that all students are safe and instruction is continuing as normal. Thank you for your support and patience as we work together to ensure the safety of our students and staff. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the school," the letter said.
Knox County Schools Superintendent Jon Rysewyk said he met with West High staff after the shooting to make sure they were safe, saying the school went into a "medium" lockdown before dismissing early. He said the lockdown was largely to clear the halls and make sure everyone in the school was accounted for and ok before dismissing classes.
Rysewyk said he also met with the teacher who was grazed. He said they were in good shape and were able to attend the staff meeting after the shooting.
"Kids were safe today, and we're thankful for the way they reacted to that," Rysewyk said.
He said the school does not have metal detectors.
COMMUNITY ADDRESSES INCIDENT
"We are all still trying to process today's events. As with all incidents, the district will have a complete review of the incident and response in the coming days. I am thankful that no one was seriously injured and for our Knox County School Security Dept as well as KPD for their quick response," said Kristi Kristy, the Knox County Board of Education Chairwoman.
Kristy said she understood the student brought the gun in a backpack. Some schools in the system have metal detectors of various kinds available for use.
"As far as metal detectors I am always willing to consider any security measure that our security experts feel would further enhance the safety of our students and staff," the chairwoman said. "Knox County Schools has an incredible security division led by Chief Periard, our officers are highly trained and committed to keeping students and staff safe. The community can help by reporting anything they see as a potential threat - if you see something, say something. I encourage all community members to report any suspicious activity you see, hear or read to KCS Security and law enforcement by calling KCS Security at 865-594-3624 or texting Knox Schools an anonymous tip to 274637."
Parents said that they received two notices about the incident. The first was sent at around 10:20 a.m., and the other was sent at around 11:39 a.m.
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon said she was relieved no one was seriously hurt.
"Guns have no place in our schools. I am so relieved that no one was seriously injured today at West High School. I welcome all efforts to keep our children and community safe," she said.
The incident happened after Gov. Bill Lee called for a special session on public safety. Rep. Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville) called on state lawmakers to take action on guns.
"This is horrific. It’s a miracle no one was injured fatally, but this should be setting off alarms for lawmakers — regardless of party. We can’t rely on luck next time. Too many kids have access to firearms. I stand with the millions of Tennesseans who want us to do as much as we can to prevent the next school shooting," she said.
Rep. Jason Zachary (R-Knoxville) said parents should talk with their kids about gun safety.
"I’m thankful that no one was seriously injured after a weapon was discharged at West this afternoon. Anyone caught bringing a gun onto school property, who is not authorized to do so, must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," he said. "This incident should prompt all parents to have a serious conversation with their kids about gun awareness and safety."