Witnesses Describe ‘Scary’ Billings Senior Stabbing Scene
A frightening incident unfolded at Billings Senior High School on Tuesday afternoon when a student stabbed a teacher in a third-floor classroom. The altercation occurred at approximately 4:23 p.m., shortly before a scheduled wrestling match between Billings Senior and Billings West. Wade Austin, a wrestling coach present during the incident, expressed concern for the safety of students in the building.
Details of the Incident
The victim, a male math teacher, was attacked by an 18-year-old female student on the third floor. Initially, Coach Austin was unaware of the severity of the situation, as activities continued in the gymnasium preparing for the matches, set to start at 5 p.m. However, the atmosphere changed dramatically when lockdown procedures were initiated.
Immediate Response and Lockdown
Witnesses reported that business as usual quickly turned into chaos. The matches were ultimately canceled, and law enforcement arrived promptly on Grand Avenue as news of the incident spread. Students were preparing for final exams, and several were in classrooms at the time.
- The school entered lockdown mode.
- Faculty acted quickly to shelter students in classrooms.
- Nearby activities, including an orchestra concert, were also canceled.
Injuries and Recovery
According to Superintendent Erwin Garcia, both the teacher and the student involved are expected to recover from their injuries. The superintendent emphasized concern for the wellbeing of both individuals and confirmed that the police are investigating the relationship between the teacher and the student.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation remains active, with law enforcement looking into the details surrounding the stabbing. As of now, the district has not confirmed if the student was enrolled in the teacher’s class. Notably, there are no surveillance cameras inside classrooms, making it challenging to gather all the facts.
Impact on the School Community
This tragic event will undoubtedly have a lasting effect on the students and staff of Billings Senior High. Coach Austin highlighted the importance of providing mental health support to those affected by the incident. He remarked, “There’s nothing we can do to change the situation, but we can help them through the mental portion of it.”
As more information comes to light, the community is urged to rally together and support one another during this challenging time. The Billings police department has stated that further updates will be shared as the investigation progresses.
