The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department is investigating a shooting at a private high school.
The officers were sent to the Plaza Academy in the 3900 block of Broadway Boulevard at 12:34 p.m.
The police station confirmed that one person was wounded and received injuries incompatible with life.
Police said the victim, an adult male who worked at the school, told detectives that he was at the school’s back door when a car pulled up and opened fire on him. When someone called for help, he walked through the school and was met by first responders at the entrance.
The suspect vehicle fled after the shooting.
A large police presence was seen around the building and much of the street was cordoned off.
Police emphasize that nothing about this shooting happened inside the school, and the suspects did not try to get inside the school.
Workers at a nearby business said they heard gunshots.
“We definitely heard gunshots,” Vulcan Forge manager Alex Chung said.
Another local business employee said he saw 3-4 people leave the school in tears after the incident.
A KMBC 9 News reporter at the scene reported that the school was dismissing students for the day.
A KCPD spokesperson said that 55-60 students currently attend the school.
On Tuesday, the school released a statement on its Facebook page saying their employee is expected to make a full recovery.
Plaza Academy Statement:
Plaza Academy Community,
Today the incident happened near our school, behind the building. One of our employees was shot dead by a passing shooter. This staff member is currently receiving medical attention and is expected to make a full recovery. All indications are that this was an isolated incident.
None of the students witnessed the attack, and none of the students were injured. We have a lockdown protocol that was completed promptly and parents were able to pick up their children right away.
We are working with the KCMO Police Department who have surrounded our building and have helped ensure that our staff safely escort each of our students to their rides.
Whenever a tragedy like this happens, it reminds us how precious life is and how lucky we are to work with the youth of our community. It falls to each of us today to reassure our community that we will continue and always work hard to keep our schools safe.
In the 50 years that Plaza Academy has changed the trajectory of KC’s teenage life, this is the only time we’ve seen an incident like this. However, we want to remain empathetic to our students and parents and allow time for recovery and processing.
Our number one priority has been and always will be our students and their families. In doing so, we will continue to work with the police in addition to providing additional psychological and emotional support to our students.
If you have any specific questions or concerns and would like to contact us, please call us at 816-561-0770. Thank you for your understanding.
