Milwaukee Lutheran football shots fired, homecoming canceled
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee Lutheran High School's homecoming and all sports activities were canceled after shots were fired during Friday night's football game.
It happened as Milwaukee Lutheran faced Pius XI. The two teams were just starting the fourth quarter under the lights when things took an unexpected turn.
Milwaukee Lutheran was livestreaming the game on its YouTube channel when what sounded like roughly a dozen gunshots were heard. The players, fans and others were then seen running from the field and stands. The video has since been removed.
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"I didn’t think it was shots at first until I saw everyone running," said student D'Juan Hill Jr.
Hill Jr. told FOX6 News both football teams and fans jumped over a fence, hid under the bleachers or went into the school to take cover.
Shots fired during Milwaukee Lutheran High School football game on Sept. 22, 2023
"I knew not to get too panicky because then I would start making mistakes, like tripping and stuff," he said.
Milwaukee police said someone fired multiple shots outside the track area that surrounded the football field around 9:30 p.m. The shooter then took off.
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No injuries were reported.
"That was probably one of the worst calls you can get," said parent D'Juan Hill Sr. of the lockdown that followed. "I didn’t know what to do. I went to into panic mode, dad mode."
Shots fired during Milwaukee Lutheran High School football game on Sept. 22, 2023
Hill Sr. said he and other parents were able to pick up their kids after the scene was cleared. Later that night, Milwaukee Lutheran families got an email that said all weekend extracurricular, including the homecoming dance, were canceled.
"Hundreds of kids were excited to come, and somebody's stupid actions took that away from them," Hill Sr. said.
Milwaukee Lutheran said classes will be virtual Monday.
Anyone with information is asked to call MPD at 414-935-7360; to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or use the P3 tips app.
Shots fired during Milwaukee Lutheran High School football game on Sept. 22, 2023
School statements
Milwaukee Lutheran High School
Earlier this Friday evening at the home football game, an incident occurred involving an active shooter, who fired multiple shots outside of the track at the football game. The active shooter fled the scene and the identity is not known at this time. The Milwaukee Police Department, who had previously already been present at the game, sent additional officers and squads as a response. We are not aware of any injuries as a result of the gunshots. An investigation is underway. The Milwaukee Police Department is actively managing this situation. Students who attended the game as spectators were released to their parents as the Milwaukee Police Department directed.
Moving forward this weekend, all activities are canceled and would include the following cancelations:
- All athletic activities and games scheduled Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24 are canceled.
- The Homecoming dance and all other Homecoming activities scheduled for Saturday, September 23 are canceled.
- All other extracurricular activities and events scheduled for Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24 are canceled.
Virtual school is already scheduled for Monday, September 25 and that will proceed as scheduled.
The Milwaukee Police Department will continue to manage this situation as it unfolds.
Milwaukee Lutheran High School will cooperate with the Milwaukee Police Department regarding the ongoing police investigation.
As further information becomes available, an additional communication will be sent to parents and families. The continued safety of our students remains our top priority.
Please pray for the safety of the Milwaukee Lutheran community and its students at this time.
Statement from Pius XI High School
"Late yesterday evening, September 22, at the Pius XI football game at Milwaukee Lutheran High School an active shooter incident occurred that required the involvement of local law enforcement. Pius XI leaders have spoken with leaders at Milwaukee Lutheran High School and are working closely with the City of Milwaukee Police Department.
"All Pius XI football players and coaches are safe and with their families. We are still learning additional details of the situation, but are hopeful that all fans are safe and well. We are deeply thankful for the rapid response of our law enforcement officers.
"The safety, security, and well-being of all Pius XI students and staff is of the utmost importance to us and we are working to provide mental health support for our students."