Newsman: Four people were shot at a high school Friday afternoon on the West Side of Chicago, according to police. According to the Chicago Police Department, two people are dead and two others were injured. Police are searching for the perpetrator in a shooting outside a Chicago high school that left two dead and two others wounded Friday afternoon. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker condemned the shooting on Twitter.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified one of the boys who died as Brandon Perez, 15.Gunfire erupted as students were being dismissed from Benito Juarez High School in the 1900 block of South Laflin Street shortly before 2 p.m., Chicago Police Department Superintendent David Brown told reporters during a press briefing Friday evening.
The four shooting victims were transported to an area hospital, police said. Two succumbed to their injuries, while two others were in serious condition being treated, Brown said.
“Schools are the cornerstone of neighborhoods and students deserve to feel safe,” Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said in a tweet. “My heart goes out to the family and friends of those who lost their lives today and I pray for a full recovery for those injured. MK and I are thinking of the entire Benito Juarez community. We must put an end to these unspeakable tragedies and rid our communities of gun violence.” Brown said police have not confirmed whether those involved in the shooting were students at the school. The ages of the victims were also not available.
“We’re just starting this video gathering and we’re just starting the investigation. Any speculation would just be inappropriate,” Brown said.
No suspects are in custody at this time, Brown said.
Chicago Public Schools announced an “all clear'” for students in the school several hours after the shooting, according to Chicago Police Department spokesperson Tom Ahern.
“All of us are trying to find answers,” Pedro Martinez, the head of Chicago Public Schools, told reporters. “I’m very concerned that this happened on our grounds.”
Chicago Public Schools released the following statement Friday evening.
The safety of our school community is our top priority. This afternoon, we received reports that shots had been fired outside of Benito Juarez High School shortly after dismissal. The Chicago Police Department (CPD) and paramedics responded quickly to the scene. CPS remains in close contact with CPD and this incident is under investigation. The CPS Office of Safety and Security and other District leadership are working closely with school leadership and staff as well as CPD to gather information and respond to this incident. CPS will keep Benito Juarez families updated as well as the greater community. Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this tragedy.
CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
