Keith Lowry, a teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School in Kenosha, is being hailed as a hero for his swift actions that potentially prevented a devastating school shooting.
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On Thursday morning, Lowry confronted a 13-year-old student armed with a rifle who had entered the school. Lowry’s quick thinking and courage were instrumental in preventing tragedy.
The incident began when numerous community tips led to the identification and arrest of the 13-year-old suspect. Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton reported that officers located the suspect, convincing him to surrender peacefully.
The suspect, a former Roosevelt Elementary student now attending Mahone Middle School, brought a backpack and black duffel bag onto school grounds. Video footage showed the suspect holding a firearm, and records indicated multiple internet searches on school shootings prior to the incident.
Police found the suspect had shared troubling videos and comments with classmates for weeks. Roosevelt Elementary was placed on lockdown after reports of a suspicious individual. Surveillance showed the suspect accessing a secured entryway, where Lowry confronted him.
Law enforcement detained the suspect near the school around 2 p.m. Kenosha Unified School District Superintendent Jeff Weiss praised Lowry and school staff, saying, “Their actions were nothing short of heroic, preventing an unimaginable outcome.”
Police Chief Patrick Patton emphasized the need for vigilance, urging parents and students to report concerning behaviors: “If you see something, say something.”
The district scheduled a non-student day for staff development to assess and reinforce campus security. Parents and students can contact law enforcement directly or anonymously through Kenosha Crime Stoppers.
Lowry’s bravery serves as a profound reminder of teachers’ roles as protectors of education, safety and lives.