Aztec High School Shooting Live Updates: Police Confirm Lockdown In San Juan County, New Mexico

NW_breaking_00144
Newsweek

Update, 1:20 p.m. EST: Another politician has added his voice to the chorus of people commenting Thursday on the shooting at Aztec High School in New Mexico that left three dead. Representative Steve Pearce, a Republican, tweeted that his "prayers are with the families, friends, & loved ones of all students involved in today's tragic & senseless shooting."

Police escort Municipal school buses taking Aztec High students to McGee Park to be reunited with parents. @TheDailyTimes #aztec pic.twitter.com/iN278vVU71

— Jon Austria (@jvaDT) December 7, 2017

Update, 1:03 p.m. EST: The Navajo Nation put out a news release Thursday addressing a fatal shooting at the nearby Aztec High School in New Mexico.

"It's tragic when our children are harmed in violent ways especially on school campuses. We express our condolences to those families who have been harmed," Navajo President Russell Begaye said in the release. "Our prayers go out to all those affected by this tragedy and everyone throughout San Juan County. We are asking for prayers for these families."

Preventative lockdown at @farmingtonms has been lifted. Students from Aztec High School will be reunited with parents at McGee Park.

— KSJE News (@KSJE_News) December 7, 2017

Update, 12:51 p.m. EST: The New Mexico State Police tweeted Thursday that the sole gunman involved in the Aztec High School shooting is dead, as are two students. But no additional victims were confirmed.

"Information is preliminary and ongoing," the agency added. "Officers are currently conducting security checks."

Parents of Aztec High students can pick their children up at McGee Park in Farmington. A convoy of buses is due to depart for that park. Police confirm that an active shooter on the campus was killed this morning.

— TheDailyTimes (@TheDailyTimes) December 7, 2017

Update, 12:42 p.m. EST: Capt. Bryce Current with the San Juan Sheriff's Office told the Farmington Daily Times that the families of the people shot at Aztec High School in New Mexico Thursday have been alerted.

Further details about the incident remained scarce, though the Associated Press reported three were dead.

We are devastated to hear that there was a shooting at @AztecHighSchool in Northern New Mexico. Our thoughts and prayers are with the students, staff and families of that community.

— APS (@ABQschools) December 7, 2017

As of 10am, Bloomfield Schools are no longer on lock down. Your patience and understanding is much appreciative by all.Thank you!

Posted by Bloomfield Police Department - New Mexico on Thursday, December 7, 2017

Update, 12:25 p.m. EST: New Mexico Senator Tom Udall took to Twitter Thursday to express his condolences after a shooting at Aztec High School killed three people.

"My thoughts are with the students and faculty at Aztec High School as well as their families, 1st responders, and the broader community," Udall, a Democrat, wrote. "I am monitoring the developments and will provide any assistance I can."

When it’s in San Juan County, it’s close to home. Prayers to Aztec High School. https://t.co/1hyOJRlHUW

— Adam J. Begaye 🇺🇸 (@adamjbegaye15) December 7, 2017

Update, 12:11 p.m. EST: San Juan County Sheriff Ken Christesen told the Albuquerque Journal that three people were dead Thursday after a shooting at Aztec High School in New Mexico.

The city of Aztec released its own statement saying that officers were "clearing buildings and making sure all the students are kept safe" at the school.

"Please do not go to any other Aztec Schools as they are on lock down until further notice," the city said. "If you have any questions, please call non-emergency dispatch at 334-6622 or the Aztec Police Department at 334-7601. The phone lines are busy, so please be patient."

Police responding to school shooting at Aztec High school (from KRQE) https://t.co/ZaJXgVVnID pic.twitter.com/jbdrK08MYs

— KLBK News (@KLBKNews) December 7, 2017

Update, 12:02 p.m. EST: New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich, a Democrat, tweeted Thursday that he was watching reports of the shooting at Aztec High School and "sending my thoughts to the community and all affected in New Mexico today."

Please pray for the students, families, and community of Aztec. https://t.co/U0vhWduhN4

— Diocese of Gallup (@DioceseofGallup) December 7, 2017

Update, 11:53 p.m. EST: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed on Twitter Thursday that its agents were helping with the investigation into a shooting at Aztec High School in New Mexico. There was still no confirmation on the number of injuries, though KOB4 reported two people were wounded.

BREAKING: ATF Phoenix Field Division special agents are responding to a school shooting at Aztec High School in San Juan County, N.M. pic.twitter.com/Nl04NTI9vT

— ATF HQ (@ATFHQ) December 7, 2017

Prayer circles forming outside City Hall in Aztec, HS following Aztec High School shooting. Photo via @meghilling. @KOB4 pic.twitter.com/kDELANZ3j3

— Erica Zucco KENS 5 (@ericazucco) December 7, 2017

Update, 11:45 p.m. EST: After a Thursday shooting at Aztec High School in New Mexico, police said the suspect was down and students still were being evacuated.

"All the kids are moved out to the gym, and what we're doing is we're making sure we're patting all the kids down, taking them up there so that they're secure," a spokesman said, adding that the students will then be put on buses.

Students being led out of Aztec high school. @TheDailyTimes #aztec pic.twitter.com/SwMkpBIGqn

— Jon Austria (@jvaDT) December 7, 2017

Update, 11:30 p.m. EST: A Thursday morning shooting at Aztec High School in New Mexico has left two people wounded, not including the alleged gunman, according to KOB4.

Shana Reeves, a spokeswoman for the city of Farmington, told CNN the shooter was "down" but did not clarify further.

Families and friends of students of Aztec High School are gathered outside city hall, following a shooting at the school@KOB4 pic.twitter.com/7kjG7ZNITV

— Meg Hilling (@meghilling) December 7, 2017

Original story:

Police in Aztec, New Mexico, said Thursday morning that Aztec High School was on lockdown amid reports of a shooting. No injuries had been confirmed, but police were asking people to avoid the area.

"Parents of Aztec High School students, please meet at Aztec Police Department to pick up your kids," the San Juan County Sheriff's Office wrote in a Facebook post.

🚨AZTEC HS SHOOTING🚨

What we know so far:
•At least one shooter confirmed by San Juan County Sheriff.
•School being evacuated.
•No word yet on injuries.
•Parents can pick up their kids at 516 and Mesa Verde near St. Joseph’s Church. pic.twitter.com/TLHhyS8EEo

— KOB 4 (@KOB4) December 7, 2017

According to Everytown for Gun Safety, there have been 266 school shootings in the United States since 2013. Some of the most recent incidents took place at Salem High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia; Bath High School in Lima, Ohio; and Booksin Elementary School in San Jose, California.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Julia Glum joined IBT Media in October 2014 as a breaking news reporter specializing in youth affairs.

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go