Tragic Shooting at Joppatowne High School Leaves One Student Dead
- National Fallen Officer Foundation
Categories: Community Support , Joppatowne , Law Enforcement , Maryland , school shooting , Student Death , Violence in Schools
Joppa, MD – September 6, 2024
A tragic incident unfolded at Joppatowne High School in Maryland, resulting in the death of a 15-year-old student. The Harford County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the shooting occurred just after 12:30 PM in a school bathroom.
According to authorities, a confrontation between two students escalated into gunfire. The 16-year-old suspect allegedly shot the victim once in the boys’ bathroom. The victim was identified as student Waren Curtis Grant. School nurses and first responders provided immediate medical attention, the victim was airlifted to a nearby hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect, whose name has not been released due to his age, was apprehended shortly after the incident. Sheriff Jeff Gahler stated that the suspect will be charged as an adult. The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation.
Principal Melissa Williams expressed her sorrow during a press conference, stating, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this amazing young man – with his friends, with all of our staff members – with all of our students. Joppatowne is a loving and strong community who will without a doubt rally among our families, support one another, and continue to support our community and all of our families. We are one town, we are J-Town."
The school was placed on lockdown immediately following the shooting, students were evacuated to a nearby church were they were reunited with their families. The Harford County Sheriff’s Office is working closely with the State Attorney’s Office to gather evidence and conduct interviews.
This incident marks the second school shooting in the United States this week, following another school shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia. The community of Joppatowne is left grappling with the loss of a young life and the impact of violence within their school.
Counseling services are being made available to students, staff, and families affected by the shooting. The National Fallen Officer Foundation has also extended its support to the community during this difficult time.