At least two people were killed and 19 were hurt in a shooting at a Kentucky high school on Tuesday morning, according to officials in their latest update.
Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin confirmed the new death and injury totals at a news conference on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 23, WYMT reported. Of the 19 injured, 14 were shot, he said. The five others had other, undisclosed injuries.
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A 15-year-old girl was confirmed dead in the shooting and the other was a 15-year-old boy, the station reported.
The shooter, who is in police custody, is a 15-year-old boy. Officials said he was armed with a handgun.
According to the station, officials said that the unnamed suspect will be charged with murder.
“Closely tracking reports of the tragedy in Benton, #Kentucky at Marshall County High School and my thoughts are with the students, teachers, faculty, and the entire community. Thank you to the first responders who continue to put themselves in harm’s way to protect others,” said Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.
The Kentucky Department of Education also said, “Please join me in keeping Marshall County High School and the Marshall County community in our thoughts and prayers in the wake of this morning’s tragic school shooting. State Emergency Management has notified the Kentucky Department of Education of the incident.”
“We know one person has died and others have been injured. The shooter has been apprehended, but we are awaiting additional information from law enforcement. KDE is reaching out to Marshall County school officials and is prepared to provide whatever support they need in the wake of this tragedy.”
And Bevin released another statement later on Tuesday.
“This is a tremendous tragedy and speaks to the heartbreak present in our communities,” Bevin wrote, WDRB reported. “It is unbelievable that this would happen in a small, close-knit community like Marshall County. As there is still much unknown, I encourage people to love on each other at this time. Do not speculate, but come alongside each other in support and allow the facts to come out.”
Jack Phillips is a breaking news reporter with 15 years experience who started as a local New York City reporter. Having joined The Epoch Times' news team in 2009, Jack was born and raised near Modesto in California's Central Valley. Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/jackphillips5
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