Police are investigating reports of gunshots at the memorial being held for Joshua Broussard, who died after being stabbed at Spring High School.
The Houston Chronicle described the scene at Spring Baptist Church on Sunday night as one of “Screaming teenagers crawl[ing] to hide under pews just moments after prayers for unity.”
At least four shots were fired as Boussard’s casket was gathered around the casket, which was being loaded onto a hearse.
Hundreds ran back into the chapel while other stood stunned.
At least one member of a rival gang, the Hispanic Brown Pride, showed up at the end of the service, reported ABC. Their presence caused tension. Spring school district police escorted one or more of the people outside, but then a fight broke out in the parking lot.
“Everybody started running back into the sanctuary, and they were hollering, ”Somebody’s got a gun out there,‘ and they were ducking by the pews. And it was just chaotic,’“ one witness said. ”After a beautiful service like that, you know, I couldn’t understand it.”
The stabbings on Wednesday that killed Broussard and wounded three other students were suspected to be gang-related. Broussard, 17, was black, while Luis Alonzo Alfaro, also 17, and who was charged with murder in the stabbings, is Hispanic.
No one has reported being hit with a gunshot and no one is in custody as of yet regarding the incident on Sunday night. Adrian Garcia, the Harris County Sheriff, said via Twitter that the situation is being investigated.
Classes were called off for the remainder of the week after the killing on Wednesday. Students start back at school on Monday, September 9.
Donna Ullrich, Spring High School’s principal, said in a message to parents that only clear backpacks, clear Ziploc-like bags, and small purses will be allowed in the school. Also, portable metal detectors will be at the two entrances, and there will be increased security at the school.
Ullrich said in another message on the school’s website that there will be six meetings that can accommodate up to 75 people each.
The times are Wednesday, September 11 from 9 to 10 a.m.; Thursday, September 12 from 9 to 10 a.m.; Monday, Sept. 16 from 9 to 10 a.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 pm and Tuesday, September 17 from 6:30 -7:30 in the Spring High teaching theater. “Beginning at noon on Monday, September 9 parents may register online at the school website or call 281-891-7000,” she said. “If a session is full, please choose another.”
“We are part of the Spring community, and we need your help to make our school the safest and best school possible,” she said. “We invite you to help us get started by signing up to attend one of these parent meetings.”
Story developing; check back for updates.
Have anything to add to this story? Tweet at me: @ZackStieber
Follow @ETBreakingNews for breaking news from around the world.
