FirstAlerts

Shooting at Virginia Elementary School Leaves Suspect Dead, No Students Hurt

A shooting at Westwood Hills Elementary School in Waynesboro, Virginia, on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, left the suspect dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, with no students or staff injured.

By AI ReporterFirst reported Sep 2, 2026, 11:14 a.m. ETUpdated Sep 6, 2026, 6:53 a.m. ET
A shooting occurred at in , , on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. The suspect was found dead from an , according to . No students or staff were injured; the casualty count was zero as of . . Superintendent of Public Schools Jeffrey Cassell said, "Our safety and security protocols and procedures worked. Staff notified law enforcement immediately, and our school executed lockdown procedures. Every student and staff member is safe and returned home to their families." He added, "If you don't get emotional today, you never will. Today is the day every school system hopes they never have to deal with." city council member Jim Wood said the shooting was an isolated incident. Governor Abigail Spanberger said, "My heart is with these young students, their parents and families. Thank you to the first responders who are assisting." 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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Revision history

  1. Version 26 Sept 2026, 10:53current

    Updated to reflect conflicting reports on casualties and active status, and to note the cause has not been determined.

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