Student shoots a teacher at Texas high school before fatally shooting self, authorities say

A 15-year-old student shot a teacher at a Texas high school and then killed himself Monday, according to authorities, who were still investigating the causes of the early morning attack.

No other injuries were reported at Hill Country College Preparatory High School in Bulverde, a small, growing city near San Antonio.

The teacher was taken to a nearby hospital. Comal County Sheriff Mark Reynolds said hours after the shooting that he did not know his condition.

“What happened today is something no community ever wants to face, but we are preparing for something that we hope never happens,” Reynolds said.

He said the student shot the teacher before turning the gun on himself. Reynolds said investigators are working to understand the relationship between the student and teacher and looking into how the firearm was obtained.

The small campus of about 250 students was placed on lockdown shortly after 8:30 a.m., according to the school. A student told San Antonio television station KSAT that he heard loud bangs coming from a room on the second floor, then screams.

Another student told the TV station she heard five gunshots and screams before her debate teacher told students to enter a classroom.

Students were bused to a nearby middle school, where parents lined up, some praying, waiting to be reunited. Reynolds said the shooter’s family members have also signed up in the reunification line.

“We’re trying to gather as much information from witnesses as possible,” Reynolds said.

Jesse Lopez, a parent, told KSAT it will be difficult to tell his daughter that she will eventually have to return to class.

“On the one hand, she’s autistic and she’ll be afraid to go back, she’ll be really afraid to go back,” Lopez said.

The school canceled classes for Tuesday but counselors would still be available for students and families, Principal Julie Wiley said in a statement. She did not provide details about the teacher’s health.

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected, especially this teacher, his family and our school community,” Wiley said. “We know this has been a difficult day.”

The high school, part of the Comal Independent School District, focuses on academics and skills needed to prepare students for college, according to the district’s website. Its curriculum focuses on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, known as STEAM, with electives including cybersecurity and engineering.

The school opened in August 2020 with a first-year class. It has since grown to offer grades 9-12.

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Associated Press reporter Heather Hollingsworth contributed to this report from Kansas City, Missouri.