KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A student died after being stabbed at Northeast Middle School on Tuesday morning.
The incident happened just after 9 a.m.
Police said the student sustained life-threatening injuries. Officers and security began treatment until EMS arrived.
KCPD spokesperson Donna Drake later confirmed that the victim is a male student at the middle school and was sent to Children's Mercy.
The student later died on Tuesday evening.
KCPS Superintendent released a statement after the student died.
"It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that our Northeast Middle School (NEMS) student has passed away from today’s incident," Bedell said in the statement. "At this time, we will wait for KCPD to release the student’s name to allow the family some time to grieve privately. We will do everything we can to make sure we support the families who are involved in this tragedy through this difficult time."
Bedell said there would be additional support for students and staff at school on Wednesday.
A person of interest is in custody. Drake said the person in custody is a male student as well.
Drake said that a confrontation in a bathroom led to the stabbing.
The school was placed on lockdown, and all students were dismissed for the day.
"Your student’s safety at school is our number one priority," Kansas City Public Schools said in a statement to families and staff. "Today and tomorrow, we will be providing additional information and counseling support to students and staff who need help processing today’s events."
Our schools should always be safe environments for our young people to learn. I am horrified to learn of a stabbing at a Kansas City middle school just after the beginning of the school day. We are in touch with our school district partners and authorities.
— Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) April 12, 2022
Earlier Bedell said the district is working with police.
"KCPS is cooperating fully with the Kansas City Police Department, and this incident remains an active investigation," the letter said.
He also said there will be support for students and staff available at Northeast on Wednesday, in addition to heightened security.
"We will have additional security officers in the building when students and staff return in the morning – as well as increased security protocols," the letter said. "Additionally, all our students at Northeast Middle School will receive personal support from our trained clinicians, counselors and trauma team members tomorrow."
He said in the future the district may be limited in what information they can share due to the ongoing investigation by police.
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