A high school football game in Louisiana turned tragic on Friday when a shooting incident resulted in the death of a student and left another person injured. The incident occurred during halftime at Port Allen High School’s football field, as reported by the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. The victims, a 16-year-old male student and a 28-year-old woman, were airlifted to a nearby hospital where the teenager was pronounced dead. The woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries to her arm.
The authorities are yet to make any arrests and are still investigating the motive behind the shooting. “We are still trying to understand what led to the incident. We are not sure if it was a targeted attack or a random act of violence,” stated Sgt. Landon Groger. The police are taking a comprehensive approach to the investigation, ensuring all angles are covered.
Despite the increased security measures put in place for the school’s second game of the season, the shooting took place. The game against Brusly High School was suspended with a 13-13 tie. In response to the incident, Port Allen officials have announced plans to enhance security during school hours.
Superintendent Chandler Smith addressed the incident in a statement to parents, emphasizing the school’s commitment to teaching students non-violent conflict resolution. “We have ongoing programs in our schools that teach students ways to resolve disputes with their peers. We will redouble these efforts and work with the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, and others in the coming months to teach our students that violence destroys many lives,” Smith said.
This incident comes just a week after a similar tragedy in Oklahoma where a 16-year-old boy was killed and three others injured during a shooting at a high school football game. In that case, it is believed that an argument between at least two males in the stands escalated into a shooting.
The West Baton Rouge School Board expressed their deep sorrow over the incident and confirmed that the deceased was a student. They pledged to support the victim’s family and the student body, and to assist in the ongoing investigation. They also assured that crisis teams would be available to assist students when classes resume.
The identity of the deceased student has not been released. Sgt. Groger confirmed that the shooter was still at large as of Friday night. The West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information that could aid the investigation to contact the Capital Region Crime Stoppers.