2 Killed in Shooting at New Mexico High School -- Security Today

2 Killed in Shooting at New Mexico High School

Two students and the suspected shooter were killed in a shooting Thursday morning at Aztec High School in Aztec, N.M.

By Jessica Davis
Dec 07, 2017

[UPDATED Dec. 8, 2017 at 1:12 p.m.]

San Juan County Sheriff Ken Christesen identified the gunman in Thursday’s New Mexico high school shooting as a 21-year-old former student of the school. The Aztec, N.M., shooting left two students dead.

According to Christesen, the gunman used a Glock pistol he had purchased locally and legally and was carrying multiple magazines. Officials said he had planned the shooting and was able to enter the school at about 8:04 a.m. by disguising himself as a student.

“He was able to mingle with the students,” said Chief Pete Kassetas of the New Mexico State Police. “He was able to walk into the school undetected.”

The gunman walked up and down hallways firing randomly into classrooms, according to authorities. They believe he took his own life.

Officials praised the quick reactions of teachers and staff who locked down the school and kept students safe.

“Teachers instinctively did exactly what they were trained to do, and as a result they saved lives,” Christesen said.

Terry Wade, FBI special agent in charge in Albuquerque, said the gunman had come under investigation in March 2016 after making generic comments in a gaming forum. At the time, he did not own any weapons and had no ties to any organizations or any plans for an attack.

Wade said the FBI then closed the investigation after determining no crime was committed.

Authorities said they found a thumb drive on the suspect and are currently going through its contents.

The investigation is ongoing.

Original story posted below.

Two students and the suspected shooter were killed in a shooting Thursday morning at Aztec High School in Aztec, N.M. No information has been released as to who the shooter was.

According to a statement by the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President, 15 others are injured. However, the New Mexico State Police have not confirmed that.

Deputies and Lt. Kyle Lincoln of the San Juan County Sheriff Department cleared the building and actively searched the school. Students were evacuated and transported to a safe location where parents could check in with an ID and pick them up.

The San Juan County Sheriff Department is taking the lead on the investigation.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

UL Solutions Launches Artificial Intelligence Safety Certification Services

UL Solutions Inc., a global leader in safety science, today announced the launch of artificial intelligence (AI) safety certification services, enabling comprehensive assessments for evaluating the safety of AI-powered products. Read Now
- Artificial Intelligence
Ransomware Attacks Rise for the First Time in Six Months

Ransomware attacks have risen for the first time in six months, increasing by 28% month-on-month to 421 attacks. While overall attack volume remained below 500, the uptick may signal a renewed escalation heading into the year’s most active period for cyber criminals. Read Now
- Cybersecurity
Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now
- Guard Services
Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now
- Cybersecurity
Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now
- Active Shooter

Security Today eNews

Sign up today for essential industry news and product information that can help you stay afloat in the fast-paced world of security.

Email Address*Country*

Please type the letters/numbers you see above.

Webinars

Whitepapers

New Products

Mobile Safe Shield

SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.
PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.
FEP GameChanger

Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.