“He Has A Gun!”: Student Shoots Classmate At Butler High School
MATTHEWS, N.C. — The child suspected of shooting a classmate in Butler High School Monday will be in court for the first time Tuesday.
Students had their cell phones on them and recorded the chaos. One student is heard screaming, “Oh my God. He has a gun.” Then, you see students run through the hallway.
“My daughter’s crying. She’s ready to go. The kids can’t leave. We can’t get the kids. The parents don’t know what to do,” said Yulonda Johnson.
Just before 7:15 Monday morning, Matthews police say Jatwan Cuffie pulled out a gun and shot Bobby McKeithen. Cuffie is a 9th grader at the school. McKeithen was in the 10th grade.
“At that time, we did not know how many shooters we had, the dynamics that were going on,” said Capt. Stason Tyrrell.
A school resource officer and security officers were in the cafeteria, heard a commotion and ran toward the sound, police said. Within 20 seconds, they found McKeithen shot. They then put the school on lockdown and called for backup.
Around five minutes later, police say a teacher alerted them she was with the shooter, he admitted to it and was ready to surrender.
“We have to let our children know we are a safe place for them, we’re a safe haven, you can talk to me about anything,” said Lakeisha Mobley. “It doesn’t make you weak. If you’re being bullied, come to me. I’m here for you.” Mobley is a volunteer with the anti-violence group Team TruBlue. Some members stood outside with parents as they waited to get their children Monday.
The wait was so long and confusing, some parents rushed a barricade to get to their kids.
“It’s really scary, and I understand its a learning process, but I really think CMS needs to reevaluate how this process goes,” said Johnson.
Read more: “That’s Where It Broke Down:” CMS Supt. Explains District’s Communication, Decisions
