Mount Horeb, Wisconsin – A tragic incident unfolded at Mount Horeb Middle School when a 14-year-old student, Damian Haglund, carrying a Ruger .1777 caliber pellet rifle, was shot dead by police after a deadly confrontation. Haglund’s online presence revealed his obsession with school massacres, particularly the Columbine school shooting. In his final moments, he tweeted “My last morning” before heading to the school with a gun, seeking to instill fear in his classmates.
Haglund’s chilling manifesto, where he named specific schoolchildren he wanted dead, sent shockwaves through the community. His disturbing blogs detailed his hatred for fellow pupils and his disturbing fascination with violence. Witnesses recounted seeing him prowling the campus with a gun, eventually firing shots into the cafeteria during lunchtime.
The school was placed on lockdown as students scrambled to safety, with some seeking refuge in nearby stores and gas stations. Parents anxiously waited outside, reunited with their children, still shaken by the harrowing experience. The tragedy prompted a swift response from law enforcement officers, who managed to apprehend Haglund before any more lives could be lost.
Despite his online persona of hatred and violence, glimpses of a troubled young man emerged in his writings. Haglund expressed suicidal thoughts, a deep sense of alienation, and a desire for fame. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, led by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, to ensure a thorough understanding of the events leading up to the fatal confrontation.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, questions about school safety and mental health support come to the forefront. The school district and local authorities are working to provide counseling and assistance to those affected by the incident. Vigils and memorials are being planned to honor the lives lost and to support the healing process for the community. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues and fostering a safe environment for students in educational settings.