Students at Wilmer-Hutchins High School in Dallas returned to class for the first time since a school shooting resulted in injuries to five individuals.
The reopening was marked by heightened security measures implemented by the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department, aimed at ensuring the safety of the students. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins attended the morning drop-off to reassure parents about the school’s safety protocols, acknowledging their concerns as valid.
Despite the steps taken to enhance security, dozens of students staged a walkout just before lunchtime in protest of the gun violence that had led to the previous injuries.
Images showed students holding signs during the demonstration, highlighting the ongoing tension and concerns surrounding safety on campus, reported Fox 4 KDFW.
Here is more of the story from Fox:
What’s new: The Southeast Dallas campus reopened on Wednesday with increased security provided by the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department.
County Judge Clay Jenkins was also at the school during the morning drop-off to let parents know that their students would be safe.
“I know you’re concerned, and as a parent, you have every right to be. But I want you to know there is an increased security presence here,” he said.
This is the second time in just over a year that the school has had to reassure parents because of a school shooting.
Student Walkout
What we know: Dozens of students walked out of the school just before 11:30 a.m. (view images here).
Wilmer-Hutchins High School Shooting
The backstory: Tracy Haynes, Jr. is accused of opening fire inside the Wilmer-Hutchins High School hallway on April 15 and shooting five people, including a teacher who was grazed by a bullet.
Three different school security cameras captured video of the shooting.
A judge denied a request to lower the $3.1 million bond for the 17-year-old Wilmer-Hutchins High School shooting suspect.
They appear to show Haynes entering the school through a side door and firing shots at students in the hallway.
Haynes allegedly approached one student who wasn’t able to run away and took a point-blank shot.
