DALLAS, TX – A 17-year-old student opened fire in a crowded hallway at Wilmer Hutchins High School, causing chaos and sending students and parents into a frenzy. The incident, which occurred around 10 p.m., involved Tracey Haynes Jr., who was reportedly led into the school by another student. Once inside, Haynes began firing indiscriminately at a group of male students, according to court documents.
The shooting left five students injured, with two undergoing surgery and two others already released from the hospital. Another student suffered from anxiety-related symptoms. The Dallas County authorities managed to secure the campus within an hour, while paramedics transported the injured to a local hospital.
Surveillance footage of the terrifying moment circulated on social media, showing Haynes firing shots in the hallway. The video also depicted school staff attending to an injured student. The Dallas County Police have charged Haynes with aggravated assault and mass shooting, marking the first time this charge is used in the county.
A grandmother of one of the students expressed her gratitude to a teacher who protected her grandson during the incident. She commended the teacher for risking their life to ensure the safety of the students. The teacher’s actions were a testament to the dedication and bravery of the school’s faculty during the crisis.
School board trustee Maxie Johnson acknowledged that while safety protocols have improved since a previous shooting incident, more work remains to be done. The school’s current safety measures include a clear bag policy and strict intake procedures. However, Haynes’ entry into the school highlighted the need for further security enhancements.
The mass shooting charge Haynes faces stems from a Texas legislative bill passed in 2023, which classifies such incidents as a first-degree felony. This charge carries a potential sentence of 5 to 99 years in prison or life. The legislation aims to prevent multiple aggravated assault charges from being tried separately, streamlining the legal process.
As the investigation continues, the school remains closed, and the community grapples with lingering fears. The district attorney’s office is expected to utilize the new law in Haynes’ upcoming trial, which could set a precedent for handling similar cases in the future.