Mount Horeb shooting: Attorney General and superintendent to speak soon

Attorney General Josh Kaul and Superintendent Steve Salerno update on Mount Horeb school shooting incident at 6:15 p.m.

Attorney General Josh Kaul and Mount Horeb School District Superintendent Steve Salerno are scheduled to provide an update on the shooting incident at 6:15 p.m.

A gunman was "neutralized" on the grounds of Mount Horeb Middle School as law enforcement responded to reports of an "active shooter" late Wednesday morning in western Dane County. No other injuries were reported as multiple schools were secured and the area was searched for additional suspects, according to District Superintendent Steve Salerno. The gunman did not enter the middle school during the incident.

The district's intermediate center was evacuated, but students remained in other buildings as law enforcement conducted their investigation. Early childhood and primary center students were released to their parents starting at 5 p.m.

Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and seeing children fleeing the area while others hid in closets and bathrooms. One middle schooler described the chaos of the situation, where his class had to evacuate the school gym and seek shelter at a nearby convenience store and gas station.

Anxious parents gathered at designated drop-off points for evacuated students, awaiting updates on the situation. The middle school, which serves students in sixth through eighth grade, has about 500 students in attendance. Mount Horeb's schools are located on a combined campus in the village, about 20 miles southwest of Madison.

Parents expressed their shock and concern over the incident, emphasizing the importance of school safety. Governor Tony Evers and Senator Tammy Baldwin shared their thoughts on the situation, expressing prayers for the safety of students and gratitude for first responders.

State Rep. Mike Bare, whose district includes Mount Horeb, reflected on the strength of the school district's leadership and community, expressing his grief over the incident. The Associated Press and local reporters contributed to the reporting of the incident.