2 Killed in Shooting at New Mexico High School

2 Killed in Shooting at New Mexico High School

Two students and the suspected shooter were killed in a shooting Thursday morning at Aztec High School in Aztec, N.M.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • December 07, 2017

[UPDATED Dec. 8, 2017 at 1:12 p.m.]

San Juan County Sheriff Ken Christesen identified the gunman in Thursday’s New Mexico high school shooting as a 21-year-old former student of the school. The Aztec, N.M., shooting left two students dead.

According to Christesen, the gunman used a Glock pistol he had purchased locally and legally and was carrying multiple magazines. Officials said he had planned the shooting and was able to enter the school at about 8:04 a.m. by disguising himself as a student.

“He was able to mingle with the students,” said Chief Pete Kassetas of the New Mexico State Police. “He was able to walk into the school undetected.”

The gunman walked up and down hallways firing randomly into classrooms, according to authorities. They believe he took his own life.

Officials praised the quick reactions of teachers and staff who locked down the school and kept students safe.

“Teachers instinctively did exactly what they were trained to do, and as a result they saved lives,” Christesen said.

Terry Wade, FBI special agent in charge in Albuquerque, said the gunman had come under investigation in March 2016 after making generic comments in a gaming forum. At the time, he did not own any weapons and had no ties to any organizations or any plans for an attack.

Wade said the FBI then closed the investigation after determining no crime was committed.

Authorities said they found a thumb drive on the suspect and are currently going through its contents.

The investigation is ongoing.

Original story posted below.

Two students and the suspected shooter were killed in a shooting Thursday morning at Aztec High School in Aztec, N.M. No information has been released as to who the shooter was.

According to a statement by the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President, 15 others are injured. However, the New Mexico State Police have not confirmed that.

Deputies and Lt. Kyle Lincoln of the San Juan County Sheriff Department cleared the building and actively searched the school. Students were evacuated and transported to a safe location where parents could check in with an ID and pick them up.

The San Juan County Sheriff Department is taking the lead on the investigation. 

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

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