Columbia, S.C. — A family is taking legal action against Richland School District Two following a serious incident in which a high school student was shot with a real handgun. This event, initially mischaracterized by the school as involving an airsoft gun, has raised concerns about safety and the accuracy of information provided to the community.
The lawsuit, lodged last month in Richland County, stems from an incident that occurred on April 30. The victim, a student at Ridge View High School, was shot in the stomach while he was alongside three peers in a parking lot. According to the court documents, a teenager identified as “Jim Doe” discharged a .22 caliber handgun through the vehicle’s window, striking the victim.
After the shooting, the injured student was transported to a hospital by a friend, where medical staff identified metal fragments in his abdomen resulting from the gunfire. The family’s lawsuit points out that the school issued a misleading statement shortly after the event, claiming that the student had been shot by a toy weapon that fired plastic pellets.
John Mobley, the attorney representing the family, expressed skepticism regarding the school’s assertion. He questioned the basis for the school’s initial claim and demanded accountability, noting the community’s right to clear and accurate information in such serious matters.
In light of the incident, the Richland School District has opted not to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings, maintaining silence about the specifics of the case.
The event underscores a growing concern regarding school safety and the need for transparent communication in the aftermath of violent incidents. As the legal process unfolds, it raises significant questions about the measures in place to protect students and the protocols for informing parents and the community about risks within school environments.
This evolving situation highlights the complexities surrounding youth violence and the implications for educational institutions in managing safety while ensuring the correct messaging to families.
As the community seeks answers, the case will likely prompt ongoing discussions about school safety policies and emergency response protocols in local districts.
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