One of the largest schools in Birmingham is closed today after metal detectors and other security measures failed to prevent a 17-year-old student from being fatally shot and another wounded in an apparent accident.
Investigators are reviewing surveillance video and interviewing students and staff to try to figure out exactly what led to the shooting at Huffman High School yesterday at dismissal time.
Birmingham Interim Police Chief Orlando Wilson says “We consider it accidental until the investigation takes us elsewhere. We have a lot of unanswered questions.”
The two students weren't officially identified, but Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said young woman killed was a senior, about to turn 18 and had been accepted at college, with "aspirations and dreams to be a nurse."
Huffman High School is closed today to give authorities time and space for a thorough security sweep and enable collaboration with community organizations to counsel students and staff. Gov. Kay Ivey says she's "praying for the family of this young lady who has tragically lost her life way too early.”
The shooting happened the day after Gov. Ivey created a school safety council to make recommendations on security in Alabama's schools, including updated threat plans and training for students and staff on emergency situations.