One person is dead and a teenager is hospitalized in critical condition after a shooting early Friday morning outside a school in southeastern Minnesota.
One person is dead and a teenager is hospitalized in critical condition after a shooting early Friday morning outside a school in southeastern Minnesota.
The Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson said dispatchers received a 911 call at around 5 a.m. saying someone had been shot in the parking lot at Stewartville High School, located roughly 10 miles south of Rochester.
When deputies responded, they found two people had been shot in the parking lot. One was a teenage boy, who was rushed to a hospital and underwent emergency surgery. Nearby, they found a man dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, and a rifle next to him.
According to Torgerson, a bus was waiting in front of the school to take about 40 coaches and student-athletes to a wrestling meet when the shooting happened.
Investigators say the boy was shot while walking to the bus. After that first gunshot, a coach found the boy. At that time, the second shot was heard.
The other students were reunited with their families and all classes were canceled for the day at both the high and middle schools. The sheriff added that most students weren’t aware what had happened at the time.
“This incident has impacted far more than just the individuals involved,” Torgerson said, getting a bit emotional, and he asked the community to support those affected.
Stewartville Superintendent Belinda Selfors said the district has support ready for students, staff and families through the weekend, and that will continue next week.
“This is an incredibly difficult day for our community. In times like these, it is important that we come together to support each other,” Selfors said while also asking the public to avoid any speculation.
The school district added that its basketball game for Friday night with Lourdes has also been canceled.
Torgerson said he couldn’t share any more details and noted an investigation is underway. That will include looking into the relationship between the victims, but, like Selfors, he asked people to not speculate.
The full press conference can be viewed below.
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Law enforcement blocks off access to Stewartville High School on Dec. 12, 2025, after a ‘critical incident.’ (KAAL-TV)
