A SUSPECT is in custody in connection to the “stabbing assault” that left a student injured and a security guard shot.
Buffalo Police confirmed the update regarding the incident, which took place at McKinley Vocational High School in Buffalo, via Twitter.
“BPD has a 17 year old male in custody in connection with the stabbing assault of 14 year old McKinley High School student. The investigation is ongoing,” the tweet said.
The suspect’s identity has not yet been confirmed, and it is unclear if he is a student at McKinley.
A school guard was shot as he reportedly tried to help a student that was being attacked in the stabbing incident.
Police said the shooting took place outside the facility in the school parking lot and was sparked by a dispute between multiple people.
Buffalo Police confirmed the victims include a 14-year-old student and a school security officer, though only the officer was shot.
The student, it was later found, had been stabbed multiple times, according to police.
The male student was transported to Oishei Children’s Hospital for treatment, where he is recovering after undergoing surgery.
“We are particularly concerned about his condition,” Dr. Kriner Cash, Superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools, had said at the press conference.
The security guard was shot in the leg and was transported to Erie County Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. He is expected to fully recover, and Mayor Byron Brown said he is “in good shape.”
WIVB4 identified the guard as 27-year-old Brad Walker. He told the outlet that he was running towards the student that was being attacked to help when he was shot.
At least 100 students were inside the school when gunfire erupted at 3.45pm on Wednesday.
Classes for the day were dismissed 20 minutes before the shooting.
Video from the scene showed dozens of police officers and vehicles at the school. FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents responded to the shooting.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul released another statement Wednesday night after commenting on the situation earlier in the day.
Mayor Brown also released a statement via Twitter.
“The City of Buffalo is here for all of those who are directly impacted by this shooting, and we are here for all of those across our City who have experienced or been impacted by gun violence.
“We will not rest until we stop this violence.”
McKinley High School will “reset,” according to Cash, with a phased reopening planned.
The school will operate remotely Thursday, Friday, and Monday, officials said.
The physical school closure could extend to February 28 if necessary.
Buffalo State College, located on Elmwood Avenue, asked students on campus to shelter in place following the shooting.
The university proceeded to cancel evening classes due to the incident nearby.
Officials encouraged anyone with information to contact Buffalo police via their confidential tip line or 911 as soon as possible.
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