Oklahoma high school shooting aftermath: Miami superintendent says no more games at Tulsa McLain
One 17-year-old is dead and another was wounded in a shooting after a Friday night football game in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Shortly after Miami beat host Tulsa McLain 19-18, gunshots rang out at the homecoming game, leaving one teen dead and another critically injured who has since improved to stable condition.
A day later, Miami Superintendent of Schools Nick Highsmith released a statement saying the school would no longer travel to Tulsa McLain for any school activity. Here’s an excerpt of Highsmith’s statement:
Police believe the shooter, who is still at large, also is a 17-year-old.
ESPN had released a detailed report earlier Friday on the rise in gun violence this year at high school sporting events.
The data showed that this year is on pace to be the most violent yet at high school sporting events, with 37 shootings as of Sept. 28 that have left three dead and 34 injured. As recently as 2014, the database recorded just nine such cases for the year.
On Sept. 27, a 14-year-old was shot and killed and four others were shot after a football scrimmage in Philadelphia.
Deborah Gist, Tulsa Public Schools superintendent, also released a statement after the game Friday:
“We are heartbroken that – after tonight’s homecoming game – our community experienced a senseless act of gun violence. We are working closely with the Tulsa Police Department to assist in their investigation of tonight’s tragic events. Right now, our focus is on supporting the students, team members, and families at McLain. I ask that you join me in lifting up the school community and keeping them in your prayers.”
(File photo by Henry Taylor/The Jackson Sun)
