Durham School Officials Reaffirm Safety Commitment in Wake of Minneapolis Mass Shooting

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After a shooting in Minneapolis that killed at least two children and wounded 17 other people, Durham Public Schools leaders issued a statement reassuring the local community that student safety remains their top priority.

The shooter, 23, is reported to have taken their own life after opening fire during Mass at Annunciation Catholic School on Wednesday morning. According to the Associated Press, 14 of the injured were children, ages 6 to 15.

The incident comes just as many traditional calendar schools – including those here in Durham – are going back into session.

In their statement, Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis and Eva Howard, the district’s executive director of safety, security, and emergency management, acknowledged the fear and uncertainty such events can stir in school communities across the country – even 1,000 miles away.

“We understand the concerns that such events raise, and we are committed to maintaining safe, supportive, and nurturing learning environments across all our campuses,” the statement reads.

The district emphasized its ongoing commitment to comprehensive safety protocols, including:

Controlled building access and check-in systems
Extensive camera monitoring
Emergency response drills for students and staff
Ongoing coordination with local first responders, including Durham Police, Durham County Sheriff’s Office, and Emergency Management

DPS officials also encouraged the community to stay vigilant and report concerns. The district promotes anonymous tools such as “See Something, Say Something” and Motorola’s Text-a-Tip system to empower students and staff to speak up.

“Safety is a shared responsibility,” the statement adds, “and we rely on collaboration between schools, families, and the broader community to keep our students protected.”

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