An 18-year-old student from Assata High School was fatally wounded Friday, Nov. 14, in a heartbreaking attempted robbery just blocks from his campus. The Milwaukee Police Department says the incident happened around 11:50 a.m. on the 4600 block of North Hopkins Street, shortly after he left school under an early dismissal schedule.
According to police, the young man was approached by one or more individuals who tried to rob him. Gunfire broke out, and both he and a suspect—later identified as a 17-year-old—were shot. Despite his injuries, the student ran back to Assata High to seek help, triggering a lockdown as school staff immediately phoned 911 and secured the building.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital but tragically succumbed to his wounds. The 17-year-old suspect survived non-life-threatening injuries, was treated in the hospital, and was later taken into custody. Authorities are still looking for additional suspects in the case.
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman addressed the tragedy during a press conference, expressing deep frustration. He noted he had just attended a youth summit on gun violence moments before hearing about the shooting, and he warned that too many of these incidents are preventable. “There is no place for firearms in our youths’ hands. None,” he said. He urged the community to step up, saying, “We all have a responsibility to do something. We cannot have bystanders in this work.”
Milwaukee Public Schools also shared a message with families, confirming the student left for early dismissal, was shot, returned to the school, and that a lockdown was immediately enacted. They later lifted the lockdown, offering parents the option to pick up their children from the 35th Street side of the building; students still riding the bus were directed to exit via Hampton Avenue or stay until regular dismissal.
In his remarks, Chief Norman called the loss “absolutely unacceptable” and emphasized the community’s role in preventing such violence. Meanwhile, the investigation remains active. Police are asking anyone with information to reach out to them at 414‑935‑7360, or remain anonymous through Crime Stoppers at 414‑224‑TIPS or via the P3 Tips app.
