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Nightmare at Kennedy Middle School: 70 children trapped inside as Wisconsin cops take down active shooter

The shooter climbed on the roof and fired at police, only to be killed in shootout

GERMANTOWN, WISCONSIN: A harrowing active shooter incident unfolded at Kennedy Middle School in Wisconsin, leaving the suspect dead and terrifying around 70 children who were trapped inside the school.

Germantown police responded to reports of an individual "acting erratically" in the school's parking lot around 7 pm on Monday, October 23.

Active shooter situation leads to police confrontation

The situation escalated when the individual climbed onto the school's roof and opened fire on officers who were pursuing the suspect on foot. An exchange of bullets between the subject and law enforcement ultimately led to the subject's death.

The three officers involved in the confrontation were placed on administrative leave in accordance with agency policy. No one else was injured during the exchange.

Meanwhile, around 50 to 70 students found themselves confined inside the school premises, interrupting their after-school activities such as cheerleading, basketball, and color guard. The Germantown School District initiated a lockdown in response to a perceived "school safety threat."

What steps are police currently undertaking?

In the wake of the incident, the Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation launched an investigation into the shooting. This investigation will seek to shed light on the events leading up to the tragic confrontation on the school's roof.

Upon its conclusion, the Division of Criminal Investigation will provide reports to the Washington County District Attorney, who will determine the appropriate course of action. The incident at Kennedy Middle School has understandably sparked concern and distress among parents, students, and the community.

Student's terrifying lockdown experience at Kennedy Middle School

One student, Samantha Scherdin, who was inside the school for dance practice when the lockdown occurred, recounted her experience. "A lot was happening," Scherdin expressed.

"Me and my friends were just all together and hugging and crying. But we were told we had to be quiet so nothing would come into the building. But we were told no one was in the building. Just stuff going around and we heard gunshots and yelling," WISN reported.

Around 8.40 pm, the Germantown School District issued a statement confirming the enforcement of a lockdown. "Due to a school safety threat at Kennedy Middle School this evening, a lockdown was enforced. Germantown Police Department are at KMS presently," it read.

In response, the district arranged for buses to collect and transport students to MacArthur Elementary, located nearby. Parents were instructed to bring their identification for the pickup process, with further information expected upon their arrival. Subsequently, the district sent another email shortly before 11.30 pm, notifying parents that the school would remain closed on Tuesday.