Five Students Shot in Wilmer-Hutchins High School Attack; 17-Year-Old Suspect in Custody
DALLAS — Five students between the ages of 15 and 18 were injured Tuesday afternoon in a shooting at Wilmer-Hutchins High School in southeast Dallas. Authorities say a 17-year-old suspect gained entry to the school and began firing at students in a chaotic and targeted assault caught on school surveillance cameras.
The incident unfolded just after 1 p.m. when the suspect was allegedly let in through an unsecured door by an unidentified student, according to a state affidavit. Once inside, the teen opened fire in a hallway, injuring five students before fleeing the scene. Video footage reportedly shows the gunman pointing a firearm at one student on the ground before running out of frame.
Emergency crews transported the injured students to a nearby hospital for treatment. Injuries ranged from non-life-threatening to serious, according to Dallas Fire-Rescue officials.
The suspect was arrested and is currently being held at Dallas County jail on a first-degree felony charge of aggravated assault related to a mass shooting. Bond is set at $600,000. It is unclear whether the teen has legal representation or has made a court appearance.
Dallas Independent School District Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde confirmed a rapid law enforcement response. A school officer arrived within two minutes of the first shots, followed by backup from multiple agencies.
This marks the second gun-related incident at the high school in the past year. In April 2024, a student bypassed metal detectors and clear-bag requirements to bring a handgun onto campus, resulting in one injury.
Following Tuesday's shooting, classes at Wilmer-Hutchins High School have been canceled for the remainder of the week. Wilmer-Hutchins Elementary, located next door, was temporarily placed on lockdown. Classes there will resume with increased police presence.
Officials have not yet released a motive, and the investigation remains active. Texas Governor Greg Abbott offered state assistance and law enforcement resources, expressing condolences to the victims and their families.
