A 14 year-old boy opened fire in a school cafeteria in Middleton, Ohio Monday February 29, 2016. Gunman James Austin Hancock brought a gun into a Madisons Local School cafeteria, shooting two students and injuring two more. Fortunately, all of the victims are recovering and there are no life-threatening injuries. Hancock faces six charges, including juvenile attempted murder and felonious assault. Butler County Authorities are considering whether to charge Austin as an adult before his juvenile court hearing set for April 5.

The family of Austin released a statement expressing their prayers for the families of the victims and also for their child. Members of the community are grieving together, and students have returned to school. Teachers and administration have been extremely supportive, treating the first day back like a mock first day of school, with very little pressure. Teachers also ate lunch with the students in the cafeteria where the shooting took place. Grief counselors are available within the school, along with a therapy dog and uniformed police officers to monitor the building.

School shootings are certainly relatable and frightening, especially to students and faculty, even of WHHS. In light of recent events, Officer Mark DuBois gave insight to the issue. “Truthfully, I just think it is incredibly sad. With so many resources available, it is astonishing that students are still so troubled so to hurt themselves and each other,” he said.