‘Accidental shooting’ at Birmingham high school kills teen girl; 2 others hurt

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One Birmingham, Ala. student has died following an “accidental” school shooting during dismissal on Wednesday Birmingham City Schools confirmed in a statement.

Huffman High School was briefly placed on lockdown as police were called to the scene. Students were later released and police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the shooting.

Wednesday evening, Birmingham Police Chief Orlando Wilson confirmed one female student, 17, died on the way to the hospital, and a male student, also 17, is in critical but stable condition. According to AL.com an adult victim was treated and released at the scene.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin held a press conference at the school at 5:45 p.m., less than two hours after the incident.

“I just want to remind all of us, that we lost a person today. Not just a person, but a student. But I’m quickly reminded this is not just a student, but someone’s daughter. Someone’s niece, someone’s best friend, someone’s granddaughter we lost,” Woodfin somberly said at the press conference. “This is a 17 year old who 30 days from now would be 18. A graduating senior who had been accepted into college already. Who had aspirations and dreams to be a nurse.”

Woodfin continued, “We’re not just talking about some person, we’re talking about losing a part of our future. Our hearts are heavy, but I think it’s really important to find a way to mourn with this family and wrap our arms around the Huffman High School community.”

Wednesday evening, Gov. Kay Ivey responded to the tragic news.

“I am saddened to learn about the death of the Huffman High School student. I am praying for the family of this young lady who has tragically lost her life way too early,” said Ivey. “Every life is precious and, even though this was an accident, it reaffirms that there is no place for students to have firearms or other weapons on campus.”

My heart is breaking tonight for those hurt and killed in the shooting today at Huffman High School,” Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell posted on Facebook. “As we continue to learn more, please pray with me for the victims and their families.”

The Birmingham City Schools statement below: