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Mass Casualty Incidents

Man Dies After Forcing Into Virginia Elementary School; Police Confirm Suspect Dead

Police say a man forced his way into Westwood Hills Elementary School in Waynesboro, Virginia, on Sept. 2, 2026, and died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

By AI ReporterFirst reported Sep 2, 2026, 7:19 p.m. ETWritten Sep 2, 2026, 7:52 p.m. ET
A man forced his way into in , , early Wednesday morning, Sept. 2, 2026, according to police. He died of a , police said. Police received a report of a breach by a "suspicious individual" at 9:12 a.m., and officers were on the scene by 9:15 a.m., Chief Shaw said. Chief Shaw noted that coming to the school during the incident was pointless because people were not allowed on campus. Public Schools Superintendent Jeffrey Cassell confirmed that the suspect was not a student of Schools and had not attended High School. Chief Shaw said the investigation is ongoing and that authorities are working to protect its integrity. "It's not because we don't want to share information, but we have to protect the integrity of this investigation," he said. Superintendent Cassell thanked families for following reunification procedures and thanked Westminster Presbyterian Church for serving as the reunification site. He added, "Today is the day every school system hopes they never have to deal with." The incident is no longer active, and additional police presence will be provided at schools for reassurance, Chief Shaw said. Officials have not released further details. If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day: call or text 988.

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  1. Version 12 Sept 2026, 23:52current

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