A 15-year-old student was in critical condition after he was shot at Omaha Northwest High School on Tuesday afternoon, according to Omaha Police. The shooting was an isolated incident between two students, according to Omaha Police Deputy Chief Sherie Thomas.

The school resource officer reported the shooting to police at 12:23 p.m., and the school went into lockdown at 12:30 p.m. The suspect was taken into custody at 12:58 p.m. near 80th Street and Bauman Avenue.

The lockdown was lifted at 1:30 p.m. and students were released room by room and sent to the west side of the campus near the football stadium.

The school district and police urged patience as they worked to get students released to their families. "Law enforcement has a perimeter around the school campus. While we know there is no place families would rather be than with their student, we ask that families avoid campus and await guidance as we learn more," OPS said in their 1 p.m. update.

The shooting incident triggered a series of responses from authorities, the school district, and the community.

The Incident and Response

Police were called to the school at approximately 12:25 p.m. local time. The victim was located inside the school, and a suspect description was immediately disseminated.

Officers swiftly apprehended the suspect near 80th Street and Bauman Avenue, approximately 30 minutes after the incident was reported.

The school went into lockdown as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff. The lockdown was lifted after the suspect was taken into custody and the scene was deemed secure.

The Omaha Police Department confirmed that "there is no public safety threat at this time."

Reunification and Student Release

Once the lockdown was lifted, a controlled reunification process was initiated to ensure the safe release of students to their families.

Omaha Public Schools released details about the reunification process, which was guided by the Omaha Police Department:

1. Students who ride buses were transported from the campus first.
2. Students who do not ride the bus were then released to families who were on-site.
3. Students who walk or drive themselves to school were released last.

The reunification process took time, but officials emphasized the importance of a controlled and safe release of students.

Community Reactions and Support

The shooting at Omaha Northwest High School sparked reactions and support from various members of the community.

Officials' Statements

Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon expressed his sadness and anger about the shooting, saying, "We are saddened and angered about the shooting at Omaha Northwest High School and pray for the student’s recovery. Thanks to the first responders who swiftly tended to the victim's needs and apprehended the suspect."

Community Groups' Statements

Jen Hodge, a volunteer with the Nebraska chapter of Moms Demand Action, stated, "School has barely begun, and already we’re met with the terror that our children may not make it home alive. We are sick and tired of thoughts and prayers. Guns and gun violence keep appearing in our schools because our lawmakers care more about gun lobby campaign contributions than prioritizing basic, preventative measures to keep our children safe."

Jayden Speed, a Students Demand Action National Organizing Board member from Nebraska, expressed, "Every single American should be outraged by the gun violence we’re seeing unfold in schools across the country."

Parents and Students' Reactions

Devon DeMott, a parent whose son was at the school during the shooting, described his reaction to the news, "As fatherly instinct, I jumped in the car and headed up there." DeMott expressed appreciation for the quick response of the Omaha Police Department.

Pamela Caraballo, another parent, reacted emotionally as she waited outside the school for her child to be released. Artemis Else and Angie Caswell, two other parents, shared a tearful embrace as they waited for their children.

Moving Forward: Safety and Prevention

The shooting at Omaha Northwest High School is a reminder of the need for continued efforts to address gun violence and ensure the safety of students in schools.

Omaha Public Schools uses a standard response protocol created by the national nonprofit "I Love U Guys" Foundation to handle emergencies like lockdowns. The school district also implemented a Secure protocol for several schools in northwest Omaha following the incident, locking down exterior doors and restricting entry and exit.

This incident underscores the importance of ongoing discussions about gun safety and school security. It also highlights the need for community support and resources to address the complex issues surrounding gun violence in schools and society.

A Community in Mourning

The shooting at Omaha Northwest High School is a tragic event that has shaken the community. The thoughts and prayers of many are with the injured student, their family, and the entire school community during this difficult time.

As investigations continue, it is important to remember the resilience of the community and the importance of coming together to support those affected by this incident. The community will undoubtedly work to heal and learn from this experience, with the hope of preventing future tragedies.