On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, a 14-year-old student was shot and killed by police outside Mount Horeb Middle School in Wisconsin after the school was placed on lockdown following reports of an armed individual. The boy, Damian Haglund, carrying what appeared to be a long gun, did not gain entry into the school. No students or staff were harmed during the incident.
The school district initiated lockdown procedures after 11:00 a.m. across all its facilities. According to Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, officers from the Mount Horeb Police Department confronted the suspect outside the middle school and demanded he drop the weapon. The 8th grader instead pointed the Ruger .177 caliber pellet rifle at officers and they replied with deadly force.
Initial searches of the school yielded no additional suspects, and by early afternoon, students began reuniting with their families. The district later announced the cancellation of classes for Thursday, citing the need to continue the healing process.
Officials emphasized that recent security upgrades and the quick response of school staff helped avert further tragedy. Superintendent Steve Salerno highlighted the importance of immediate action by staff after students reported seeing someone suspicious near the building.
The incident has deeply affected the small town of Mount Horeb, located about 25 miles west of Madison, Wisconsin’s state capital. State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly expressed her sadness over the traumatic event, recognizing the anxiety experienced by students, staff, and the broader community. Wisconsin Governor, Tony Evers praised the efforts of first responders and acknowledged the challenges schools face in managing such threats.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation into the incident. Several police officers involved in the confrontation have been placed on administrative leave, a standard practice in use-of-force incidents. The exact circumstances of the incident, including whether the suspect fired a weapon and the type of firearm involved, remain under investigation.
The Mount Horeb Area School District, which serves about 2,500 students, expressed gratitude for the community’s support and shared plans to provide details about support services available for students and staff in the coming days.
Mount Horeb, known as the “troll capital of the world” due to its unique Scandinavian heritage, is a close-knit community where such events are unexpected. Parents voiced their shock and disbelief over the incident, while authorities emphasized the importance of maintaining vigilance and ensuring that schools remain safe havens for students.