A shooting at Marshall County High School in Benton early this morning resulted in two dead and 19 confirmed injuries.
The shooter is in custody, apprehended by a Marshall County deputy. Reports indicated he is a 15-year-old student who opened fire with a handgun.
Gov. Matt Bevin tweeted at 9:43 a.m. confirming the “tragic shooting” and urging everyone to “let the first responders do their job and be grateful that they are there to do it for us.”
He later said that the 15-year-old student shot 14 people and that two of the victims, a 15-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl died. Five others suffered non-gunshot injuries.
Some of the wounded have been airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. Benton is a small community in southwestern Kentucky.
Kentucky State Police Detective Jody Cash told news reporters that the “situation is secure and is no longer active.”
All the students have been removed from the school, some bused to North Marshall Middle School to be picked up.
Sen. Mitch McConnell issued this statement:
“First, this morning began with reports of a tragedy at Marshall County High School in Benton, Kentucky. State officials have reported at least one confirmed death and several injuries. My staff in western Kentucky is at the high school and is in close contact with local officials. They are monitoring the situation and will be providing me with updates throughout the day.
“I know I speak for communities across my home state in sending prayers of comfort and healing to students, faculty, and everyone affected by this violence. Our hearts are with the entire community in Marshall County. And our gratitude is with the first responders who rush into harm’s way.”
Staff report
