BULVERDE, Texas (AP) — A devastating shooting occurred at a Texas high school on Monday when a 15-year-old male student shot a teacher and then fatally shot himself, according to authorities.
The incident took place at Hill Country College Preparatory High School in Bulverde, and while no other injuries were reported, the community is in shock as they process the violence. The Comal County Sheriff’s Office has not disclosed any information regarding the motive behind the shooting.
The injured teacher was swiftly taken to a hospital in San Antonio, but as of yet, there has been no update on her condition. Meanwhile, the student was pronounced dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The school went into lockdown around 8:34 a.m., just before classes were scheduled to start at 8:55 a.m. Eyewitness accounts from students describe the horrifying moments as loud bangs and screams erupted from the second floor. One student recounted hearing five shots, leading their debate teacher to swiftly guide them into a classroom for safety.
After the event, students were bused to a nearby middle school where parents anxiously awaited news about their children, forming long lines and some praying for their safe return.
A parent, Jesse Lopez, shared with KSAT-TV his concern over how his daughter, who has autism, would cope with returning to school. “She’ll be real afraid to go back,” he expressed, highlighting the lasting impact this tragedy may have on students.
The high school is part of the Comal Independent School District and focuses on academics and skills necessary for college readiness. Opened in August 2020, the school has since expanded to include grades nine through twelve, with approximately 260 students enrolled this year.
