Police: Man shot after firing gun outside Jewish school
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — A man was shot by police Monday after investigators say he fired shots outside a Jewish school in Memphis, Tennessee.
Police said the man, who has not yet been identified, was trying to get into the Margolin Hebrew Academy before fleeing the scene in a maroon pickup truck with California tags.
Officers spotted the vehicle in the Berclair area and initiated a traffic stop. Memphis Police said the man got out of the pickup truck with a gun in his hand and was shot by an officer.
The suspect was taken to Regional One Hospital in critical condition. No other injuries were reported.
The Margolin Hebrew Academy confirmed no one at the school was injured during the incident.
“We can confirm that no one has been hurt in any way, and everyone is now safe, thank G-d. Please look out for further communication with additional information to come. In the meantime, our campus is completely closed. We thank you for your understanding,” the academy said in a statement.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is now investigating the situation.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools said all of their schools were on a precautionary lockdown as police investigated the situation.
Assistant Police Chief Don Crowe commended the school for their safety procedures and Memphis officers for finding the suspect so quickly.
“Today is a great example of very vigilant officers trying to protect the city. I personally believe that we have avoided a tragedy. I believe the suspect was going to harm somebody before the day was over,” he said.
Police Chief CJ Davis also recognized the officers for their actions.
“I am proud of the vigilant and quick response of MPD officers who mitigated a potential mass shooting situation today. Many thanks to our neighboring jurisdictions for also providing critical information to stop the suspect’s actions,” she said.
Police said they cannot determine if the shooting at the school was a hate crime at this time.
Congressman Steve Cohen released a statement in response to the incident saying, “I am shocked to know of this senseless incident and relieved at report that no one at the school was injured. Antisemitism is on the rise in this country. I am saddened that an apparent act of violent antisemitism has come to Memphis. We all need to be on our guard against antisemitism and white nationalism.”