Memphis police have reported a shocking incident at a local Jewish school where officers shot a suspect who had attempted to enter the premises armed with a gun. The suspect, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, approached the Margolin Hebrew Academy-Feinstone Yeshiva of the South on Monday around 12:20 p.m. Disturbingly, he fired several shots in an attempt to gain entry into the building.
Thankfully, the school had impeccable safety procedures in place, effectively avoiding harm or injuries to anyone on the premises. Assistant Police Chief Don Crowe praised the school for their well-executed safety protocols. Shortly after the incident, officers located the suspect’s maroon truck, leading to an encounter where they shot the suspect after he exited the vehicle brandishing a firearm. The suspect was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
At this early stage, police cannot confirm if school was in session during the incident. Assistant Chief Don Crowe clarified that they are still collecting information and stated the need for a thorough investigation regarding any potential motives. It is too soon to determine if this shooting is classified as a hate crime.
Eye-witness accounts shed light on the terrifying moments that unfolded during the incident. Oscar Gomez, a resident of the neighborhood, shared how two of his teenage children were outside their house when the shooting occurred. According to Gomez, his children took immediate action to protect themselves when they heard the gunfire by throwing themselves onto the floor.
U.S. Representative Steve Cohen, who represents Memphis, expressed shock at the incident and drew attention to the troubling increase in acts of violent antisemitism across the nation. This unsettling event comes just a few months after a devastating shooting at a private Christian school in Nashville, where six lives were lost, including three young children. The Nashville tragedy has sparked renewed discussions about revisiting gun laws in Tennessee and strengthening security measures across both public and private educational institutions in the state.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigations has taken over the case, demonstrating the seriousness of the incident and the commitment to examining every detail thoroughly.
As more information unfolds, it is crucial to remember the importance of school safety and addressing the rise in violent crimes driven by prejudice. It is our collective responsibility to create a safe environment for all individuals within our communities.
Author: Ryan Scott
Just a guy
