Police responded Tuesday to reports of a shooting at Wilmer-Hutchins High School in south Dallas, prompting a heavy presence of law enforcement and emergency vehicles. Students were seen leaving the campus, and the Dallas Independent School District (ISD) later confirmed the situation had been secured, though officials offered no immediate details about what occurred.
The Context
The high school, which serves approximately 1,000 students, was surrounded by multiple police vehicles, as seen in aerial footage taken Tuesday afternoon. By mid-afternoon, the district announced that parents could reunite with their children at a nearby stadium and said counselors were available at the school to support students and staff.
What To Know
Officials responded to Wilmer-Hutchins High School at around 1 p.m., The Dallas Morning News reported.
Dallas ISD confirmed that a “shooting incident” had occurred at the school on X (formerly Twitter) at 1:25 p.m. The district said safety protocols were implemented and asked everyone to avoid coming to the campus. Officials later said the shooting happened in the cafeteria near the end of lunch time.
At least four people were injured and taken to area hospitals, according to CBS News Texas. Officials with Dallas Fire-Rescue told local news station NBC DFW that three of the victims, between the ages of 15-18, were shot and the fourth was grazed by a bullet. The injuries vary from serious to non-life threatening.
CBS News Texas reported via local law enforcement that a student is wanted in the incident.
Police respond to reports of a shooting at Wilmer-Hutchins High School, in Dallas, Texas, on April 15, 2025.
Associated Press
In April 2024, a Wilmer-Hutchins High School student shot another student in the leg. Officials said that was a targeted shooting following a dispute. Several days later, students at the school staged a walkout to voice safety concerns.
The school has metal detectors and requires students to have clear backpacks.
What People Are Saying
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, on X: “I’m deeply troubled to learn that a shooting has taken place at Wilmer-Hutchins High School in Dallas. Our schools should never be places of violence.”
Democratic Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett, on X: “I am heartbroken to learn of yet another shooting at Wilmer-Hutchins High School—nearly one year after the last. My prayers are with the students, teachers, and families who are once again forced to live through this nightmare. No child should fear for their life at school. No teacher should have to barricade a classroom door. Let me be clear: this is not normal. This is not acceptable. Guns do not belong in our schools. Every student deserves to learn in a safe environment.”
Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement, “Our hearts go out to the victims of this senseless act of violence at Wilmer-Hutchins High School,” said Governor Abbott. “I spoke with Dallas ISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde and Dallas ISD Chief Albert Martinez. I offered to support the school district families, students, and staff and to provide law enforcement with the tools they need to arrest the criminals involved and bring them to justice. Since I’ve been Governor, Texas has provided over $3 billion in school safety funding. This session, I am seeking an additional $500 million to further safeguard schools across the state. Cecilia and I ask our fellow Texans to join us in praying for the victims’ swift recovery and for the entire Wilmer-Hutchins High School community.”
What Happens Next
Police have not announced any suspects or arrests in connection with this incident.
This article contains reporting by the Associated Press.
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Update 4/15/25, 5:28 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 4/15/25, 7:24 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
