A DuVal High School student was fatally shot Monday afternoon in Lanham, Maryland, just two weeks into the school year.
The shooting prompted lockdowns at DuVal and another nearby school for nearly two hours.
The student was rushed to a hospital in critical condition, where she died. Prince George's County Public Schools confirmed the victim was a student. Her name and age have not been released yet, but neighborhood residents told News4's Jackie Bensen that she was 16.
Police said the girl was not the intended target of the shooting.
We're making it easier for you to find stories that matter with our new newsletter — The 4Front. Sign up here and get news that is important for you to your inbox.
There was no information available on a suspect or suspects.
"It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the tragic loss of a DuVal High School student," the school district said in a news release shortly after police announced the girl's death.
Prince George's County
Prince George's County, Maryland, news updates, events and information
She was shot just after 3:30 p.m. near the intersection of Palamar Drive and Woodstream Drive, close to DuVal High School. Shots were fired during a dispute between to groups and the victim was struck, police said. It is not believed she was the intended target, authorities said.
DuVal and another nearby school, Robert Goddard Montessori School, were open for after-school activities at the time of the shooting. They were placed on lockdown for nearly two hours as police searched for a suspect. Those lockdowns were lifted shortly before 5:15 p.m.
Personal items, including a school system-issued computer case, were scattered on the ground after the gunfire.
“This is not an easy day in Prince George’s County, and we shouldn’t be here today,” said Barry Stanton, deputy chief administrative officer for public safety and homeland security. “This is frustrating. This is mindboggling to see one of our precious students go through this senseless act of violence.”
Superintendent Millard House II said DuVal High School was scheduled to be in the second round of schools to receive security enhancements, but that process will be sped up.
Prince George's County police said this is an active investigation. "Detectives are on scene working to establish suspect(s) and a motive in this case," they said about 5:30 p.m. Monday.
It’s likely some additional witnesses and students saw the gunfire, and ran home in fear. Detectives want to speak to anyone with more information.
The school district said grief counselors and mental health professionals would be on the DuVal campus Tuesday "to support students and staff as they cope with this loss."
The shooting came just two weeks into the school year. Classes began Aug. 28 for all public school students in the county.
"Prince George’s County Public Schools extends our thoughts and deepest condolences to the student's family and friends during this incredibly difficult time," the school district said.
One student said she had hoped classes would be cancelled the day after the shooting, but they were not. She was on edge as she went to school Tuesday morning.
"Right now I'm going to school, and anything can happen," she said. 'It's really scary."
Sign up for our Breaking newsletter to get the most urgent news stories in your inbox.
