Authorities say two people are injured and a suspect is in custody after an active shooting at Noblesville West Middle School Friday morning.
Noblesville Police Chief Kevin Jowitt says one adult teacher and one teenage student are injured. The adult was taken to Methodist Hospital and the teenager was taken to Riley Hospital.
Jowitt says a male student has been detained and is believed to be the sole suspect in the shooting.
Jowitt also says a threat was made against Noblesville High School, prompting a lock down.
“We have not received any information that this has been anything other than a communicated threat, and again we are securing Noblesville High School and taking steps to ensure that it stays secure,” he says.
Jowitt says the middle school has been cleared of students. Students were transported to the Noblesville High School field house for reunification with their families.
Authorities are expected to update the media again at 2 p.m.
“Our hearts go out to everyone that’s been involved in this horrific tragedy,” says Superintendent Beth Niedermeyer.
Parents are waiting to be reunited with their middle schoolers. pic.twitter.com/7YFagFo4UK
— Lauren Chapman 🏳️🌈 (@laurenechapman_) May 25, 2018
Vice President, State Leaders Respond
State Superintendent Jennifer McCormick says in a statement her office is in contact with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and is actively monitoring the situation.
“We have confidence in Noblesville Schools Superintendent Dr. Beth Niedermeyer and her team, law enforcement, and first responders,” McCormick’s statement says. “The Department stands ready to provide guidance and support and we will provide further statements as information unfolds.”
Gov. Eric Holcomb (R-Ind.) says he is monitoring the situation with House Speaker Brian Bosma and Senate President Pro Tem David Long as they return to Indiana from a trip to Europe.
“Approximately 100 state police officers have been made available to work with local responders and will offer all assistance needed,” Holcomb says in a statement. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this horrible situation.”
The Indiana State Teachers Association released a statement calling for action to “keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of dangerous people.”
“This national crisis has landed in our backyard. We all have a responsibility to keep our kids safe from violence, and it’s unconscionable that they live in fear that one day their school may be next. When is enough, enough?” the statement says.
On my way to Noblesville from Southern Indiana after speaking with Mayor John Ditslear and Superintendent McCormick. We will continue to keep Hoosiers updated as we learn more.
— Senator Todd Young (@SenToddYoung) May 25, 2018
I’m closely monitoring the situation at Noblesville West Middle School. I’m praying for the entire Noblesville community, students, teachers, families, and am thankful for our first responders. – Joe
— Archive: Senator Joe Donnelly (@SenDonnelly) May 25, 2018
I am thankful to all first responders at the scene working to secure the area & am continuing to monitor the situation. Please monitor @noblesvilleFD & @noblesvillePD for more information & updates. https://t.co/aHWIKbwpWC
— Susan W. Brooks (@SusanWBrooks) May 25, 2018
Our hearts break this morning for the entire Noblesville community. Praying for the students, teachers and families impacted by the shooting. Thankful for the first responders and law enforcement officers for their service during this tragedy. https://t.co/0c5oC0ECF0
— Jim Banks (@RepJimBanks) May 25, 2018
There are no words left to say, only actions left to do. #NoblesvilleWest #NoblesvilleSchoolShooting https://t.co/YINjNP6tvu
— André Carson (@RepAndreCarson) May 25, 2018
As the father of 3 kids, including a daughter in middle school, I know too well the terror every parent faces when they hear the news of yet another school shooting. We must continue to push for action that puts a stop to days like this. Indianapolis stands with Noblesville.
— Mayor Joe Hogsett (@IndyMayorJoe) May 25, 2018
Thankful for our first responders and law enforcement during this tragedy. Kelly and I are praying for the Noblesville community, the teachers, the students, and their parents. Our country must find a way, through thoughtful debate, to create a safer world for our children. https://t.co/xoU5wpnjRi
— Trey Hollingsworth (@RepTrey) May 25, 2018