1 student dead after shooting at North Carolina high school

One student was killed Wednesday during a shooting at a North Carolina high school, with police saying the suspected gunman is still at large.

Authorities said the shooting took place at Mount Tabor High School’s campus in Winston-Salem on Wednesday afternoon.

The Winston-Salem Police Department confirmed that one student had died in the shooting. The student was identified as William Chavis Raynard Miller Jr.

Chief Catrina Thompson confirms death of one student in shooting at Mt. Tabor High School. pic.twitter.com/98cDPI9Pjb

— cityofwspolice (@cityofwspolice) September 1, 2021

Winston-Salem Police Chief Catrina A. Thompson said during a press conference that medical responders began life-saving measures at the site, and later transported the student to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

According to Thompson, the suspected shooter is believed to also be a student at Mount Tabor High School.

During the press conference, Thompson became visibly emotional, pausing at moments as she gave her statement.

“Our citizens offer our condolences, our thoughts and prayers to the family of the student who passed away today. We know it’s going to be difficult for them going forward,” Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines (D) said at the press conference.

No other injuries were reported and police said all students and staff are now safe. 

Police said there were no reports of similar incidents at any other schools in the area, though campuses have been closed out of “an abundance of caution.”

“Mount Tabor High School is on lockdown. There has been a shooting on school property. We and the WSPD have secured the campus and are doing everything possible to keep students safe. We are actively investigating what happened and will share confirmed information when available,” the Winston-Salem Police Department tweeted.

Police have asked parents not to head to the high school, and instead instructed them to wait for pick-up at a nearby Harris Teeter.

The school campus has been declared a no-fly zone for drones.

Parents, do not respond to Mt. Tabor High School. We will post pick up locations as soon as possible.

— cityofwspolice (@cityofwspolice) September 1, 2021

The Winston-Salem Journal reported the lockdown occurred after multiple shots were heard on campus by a student who was on the phone with her sister.

BREAKING: We do not have any details confirmed. Police and other first responders are on Petree Road, at Mount Tabor High School.

We have seen police, an ambulance, sheriff deputies and fire department. Parents are here, too. @WXII pic.twitter.com/QblwfLZ7FA

— WXII Lee Anne Denyer (@WXIILeeAnne) September 1, 2021

Updated at 5:46 p.m.