Hero Cop Prevents Wisconsin Prom Night Massacre
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The identity of the hero from Wisconsin who prevented a potential mass shooting during prom night is still unknown. The incident occurred on Saturday night around 11 p.m. when students were leaving the dance at Antigo High School. A former student arrived at the scene armed with a rifle and began shooting at the students from outside the school.
Fortunately, the Antigo Police Department had officers patrolling the parking lot, and one of them reacted quickly to engage the shooter and managed to shoot him before he could cause further harm.
The response from the Antigo Police Department has been highly praised for saving lives. Governor Walker expressed his prayers and support for the students, families, and the Antigo community.
Although two students were injured in the shooting, their wounds were not life-threatening. The gunman, identified as 18-year-old Jakob Wagner, died shortly after the incident.
The Antigo Police Department released a statement on their Facebook page commending the immediate response of the officer, which prevented more injuries and possible casualties. The initial investigation suggests that the shooter acted alone, and the police have executed a search warrant at his residence for additional information.
Officer Bruce Brown, who responded to the initial call for backup, expressed his admiration for the officer who took action that night. He stated that it made him proud to see the officer follow their training and do what was necessary to protect the public.
Antigo’s police department is relatively small, with only 15 staff members, and required additional resources following the shooting. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the call for assistance.
A resident named Heidi Aros, who was working at a local pizza place, was informed of the shooting by her son, who was attending the prom. Aros was relieved to know that the police acted swiftly. She emphasized that the shooter’s passing was unfortunate and that she knew him personally.
According to a 19-year-old Antigo High School graduate named Emily Fisher, who knew Wagner, he faced bullying throughout his middle and high school years. The bullying included verbal abuse and physical violence. Studies from the CDC have shown that victims of bullying are more likely to become violent in adulthood.
Schools are actively addressing bullying through various local and nationwide initiatives like No One Eats Alone and The Great Kindness Challenge. However, some cases still go unnoticed, and not all active shooter incidents are a result of bullying. This is why local police forces undergo training for school shooting scenarios. In Antigo, this training proved effective on the night of the incident.
Despite the shock and confusion, the community of Antigo is seeking healing and stability. A vigil was held at Peace Lutheran Church to bring comfort to the residents. Paula Van Ooyen, a parent, expressed the community’s need to pray and move forward.
After a thorough sweep of the school, authorities confirmed that the campus was secure. Classes resumed on Monday with additional counseling services and an increased police presence to ensure the students’ safety.
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