Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the State of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff immediately until further notice to honor and remember the victims of the shooting at Oxford High School in Oakland County.
“My heart breaks for the students, teachers, staff, and families of Oxford High School,” said Governor Whitmer. “The death of multiple students and the shooting of many others, including a teacher, is horrific. I want to thank the first responders on the ground working hard to keep people safe as law enforcement officials investigate this shooting and get the community the help it needs right now. Our state is in mourning alongside the parents who had their children taken from them today and the entire community in Oxford.”
The Oakland County Sheriff says the gun used in a school shooting in Oxford was purchased by the shooter’s father a few days ago. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard spoke at a news conference about the shooting that took the lives of three students and injured others.
Bouchard said they are unsure if the victims were targeted and are investigating if the shooter was trying to pose as police to break into classrooms that had been barricaded. The 15-year-old sophomore accused shooter is in custody, and police say his parents have advised him to not speak to authorities. A 16-year-old boy, a 14-year-old girl, and a 17-year-old girl all lost their lives in the shooting at Oxford High School while others remain in critical condition.
President Biden is getting briefings on the latest deadly mass shooting in the U.S. Three students were shot and killed at a Michigan high school. Biden spoke in Minnesota and noted the “unimaginable grief of losing a loved one.” He said the whole community of Oxford, Michigan is undoubtedly in a state of shock.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer called the incident an “unimaginable tragedy,” and the school district has announced that all schools in the district will be closed for the rest of the week.
Full Governor Whitmer statement:
“My heart breaks for the students, teachers, staff, and families of Oxford High School. The death of multiple students and the shooting of many others, including a teacher, is horrific. I want to thank the first responders on the ground working hard to keep people safe as law enforcement officials investigate this shooting and get the community the help it needs right now.
“As Michiganders, we have a responsibility to do everything we can to protect each other from gun violence. No one should be afraid to go to school, work, a house of worship, or even their own home. Gun violence is a public health crisis that claims lives every day. We have the tools to reduce gun violence in Michigan. This is a time for us to come together and help our children feel safe at school.
“My heart is with the parents who had their children taken from them today and with the entire community in Oxford.”
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released the following statement:
“My heart goes out to the parents who have lost their children and to the students, teachers, staff, and families reeling from the tragedy of a school shooting within their community. My department has reached out to local law enforcement to offer assistance as this investigation unfolds and I want to extend my sincere gratitude to first responders on the scene.
“We must act to properly address gun violence in our schools and the ongoing threat of another unconscionable tragedy if we continue to only offer thoughts and prayers. Our kids deserve better.”
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