DALLAS — A shooting incident at Wilmer-Hutchins High School on Tuesday afternoon has left the community shaken, as reports confirm that at least three students were injured, including a 17-year-old who was shot in the leg. The incident unfolded shortly after 1 p.m. on April 15, 2025, prompting a swift response from multiple law enforcement agencies.
According to the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), police received the call about the shooting just after 1 p.m. Officers were dispatched to the school located in the 5500 block of Langdon Road in southern Dallas County. A police call log indicated that 19 units were on the scene, including officers from the Dallas ISD police, Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, DART officers, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Dallas Fire-Rescue confirmed that three individuals were transported to the hospital, with Dallas Mayor Pro Temp Tennel Atkins stating that none of the injuries were life-threatening. Eyewitness accounts reported hearing several gunshots, with one student recalling the chaos as students fled the building.
Sergio Campos, a Wilmer City Council member and parent, was on campus for a meeting when he heard about seven gunshots. He described seeing students running out of the school, with some being carried outside due to injuries. "The kids were just running out, all of them just hundreds of kids running out," Campos said.
Another student, freshman Salondra Ibanez, shared her experience: "My teacher, she was going over our work and we heard a gunshot. At first, I was just trying to process it... So that’s when me and my classmates, we got up and we went behind the teacher’s desk and... waited there until we got escorted out." Her account highlights the fear and confusion that gripped the students as the situation unfolded.
As the incident developed, DISD officials implemented safety protocols and secured the campus by approximately 2:15 p.m. Parents were instructed to reunite with their children at nearby Eagle Stadium, located at 5520 Langdon Road, with officials urging them to bring photo identification.
In a statement, the district acknowledged the gravity of the situation: "We understand this is a difficult time and ask for your patience. Counselors are on site and available for anyone who may need support." This reassurance comes in the wake of a similar incident that occurred almost exactly one year prior, when a student brought a gun to the school and shot another student in the leg.
The 2024 shooting raised significant concerns among parents and community members regarding school safety protocols. After that incident, students staged a walkout to express their fears, citing issues with the enforcement of metal detectors and clear bag policies. Dallas ISD Police Chief Albert Martinez noted at the time that the metal detector had gone off but that proper procedures were not followed, allowing the weapon to enter the school.
In response to the previous shooting, district officials had promised to enhance security measures, including retraining staff on the use of metal detectors and backpack searches. However, the recurrence of violence at Wilmer-Hutchins High School has reignited fears among parents. Lashunda Edwards, a mother of a senior at the school, expressed her distress, stating, "I just want my child to be safe. Anybody’s kid, really."
U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett also voiced her heartbreak over the incident, stating, "My prayers are with the students, teachers, and families who are once again forced to live through this nightmare. No child should fear for their life at school. This is not normal. This is not acceptable. Guns do not belong in our schools. Every student deserves to learn in a safe environment."
As the investigation continues, questions remain about how the shooter gained access to the campus and whether security protocols were adequately enforced. DISD officials have not yet confirmed if any arrests have been made or if the suspect's identity has been disclosed.
Parents and community members are left grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event, reflecting on the ongoing issues of gun violence in schools. The Dallas community is rallying together, seeking answers and demanding change to ensure the safety of their children.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
