Mendoza School on Lockdown after Student Enters with Firearm
MENDOZA, Argentina – A 14-year-old student entered the Marcelino Blanco de la Paz school in Mendoza, Argentina, on Wednesday morning with a firearm, prompting a large-scale response from police and emergency services. The student reportedly fired at least three shots into the air and then entrenched themselves within the school building, causing widespread alarm among the school community.
According to initial reports, no injuries have been registered as an inevitable result of the incident. Authorities have requested that the public refrain from gathering near the school to allow crisis negotiators to work effectively.
“We ask the general citizenship to refrain from attending the vicinity of the Marcelino Blanco de la paz school, within the framework of a situation where the security and respect for the best interests of the girl involved and her context must prevail,” stated a joint release from the Ministries of Security and Justice, Health, and Education, Culture, children and DGE.
Police and firefighters are collaborating on the evacuation of students. A police helicopter was deployed to transport mediators from the Incident and Kidnapping Resolution Group (Gray) to assist in the negotiation process.
Unofficial reports indicate the student may have been a victim of bullying and, after feeling ignored by a teacher, targeted a mathematics teacher. A social media post alleges the student intended to attack the teacher.
Authorities have warned that any external interference coudl have serious consequences and are urging adherence to established protocols.
