14-Year-Old Shoots Self At School In Walpole, New Hampshire
WALPOLE, N.H. (CBS) – A 14-year-old student shot himself in the face at a middle school in Walpole, New Hampshire on Friday in what other students believe was a suicide attempt.
It happened around 11 a.m. in the cafeteria at the Walpole Elementary School on Bemis Lane.
There were about 70 students in the cafeteria eating lunch at the time. No one else was hurt.
The boy's step-cousin, Nick Philips says he had been talking about shooting himself all week.
"It was on purpose. He's been telling everyone about it this week. He's just been depressed lately," Philips said.
The school principal wouldn't comment on whether any officials were told about any warning signs.
Police put the school on lock down for several hours.
The teen was rushed to the hospital, where his condition is said to be very serious.
His name has not been released.
WBZ-TV New Hampshire Bureau Chief Lauren Leamanczyk reports
Officials confirmed that the gun the boy used was a rifle. It's unclear where he got the weapon. Students who talked to WBZ-TV said that no one seemed to have seen the gun until the shooting took place.
The school is for students in grades 5 through 8.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Bernice Corpuz reports
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Gov. John Lynch released this statement Friday afternoon:
"This is a terrible tragedy, and I know that all of New Hampshire shares in the pain and grief of the children, families and community of the Walpole Elementary School. The state of New Hampshire is offering whatever assistance it can to the community, along with all of our thoughts and prayers."
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has several resources if you suspect someone is suicidal.
You can learn more on their website.
