Milwaukee is reeling after an 18-year-old student was shot and killed Friday just blocks from Assata High School, where he had left for early dismissal. The shooting, which quickly turned the school into a lockdown zone, has shaken the community and reignited urgent calls to address gun violence among youth.
According to Milwaukee Police, the late morning incident occurred around 11:51 a.m. near North Hopkins Street and West Glendale Avenue. Authorities say a group of suspects confronted the student in what they believe was an attempted robbery, and gunfire erupted. The teenager — seriously wounded — managed to make his way back to Assata High School, seeking help from staff who immediately called 911.
Once inside, school officials locked down the building: all the doors were secured and the lights turned off to protect students and staff. The wounded student was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition, but tragically, he later died there.
Milwaukee Police reported that one of the suspected robbers, a 17-year-old, was also shot during the confrontation. His injuries reportedly weren’t life-threatening, and he was taken into custody. Investigators believe there may have been additional people involved, and the search for other suspects is ongoing.
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman spoke out in a news briefing, expressing anger and frustration that a young life was lost while gun violence prevention was being discussed elsewhere. At the time of the shooting, he had been attending a youth summit focused on curbing youth gun violence. He stressed that what happened was preventable, and reinforced his plea: “There is no place for firearms in our youth’s hands. None. We all have a responsibility to do something.”
In response, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) extended heartfelt condolences, calling the situation heartbreaking. The district confirmed the lockdown and later updated families that it had been lifted. Parents were offered to pick up their children on the 35th Street side of the school. Those riding buses were told to use Hampton Avenue, while students who stayed in the building were dismissed at the end of the day as planned.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement is asking anyone with information — video, photos, or firsthand insight — to come forward. Tips can be shared by calling Milwaukee Police at 414-935-7360, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or using the P3 Tips app.
This tragic incident has struck a chord across Milwaukee, reviving painful conversations about violence, youth safety, and the urgent need for community action.
