Support for students, educators available after shots fired in Robbinsdale school

For more information, contact:
CHRIS WILLIAMS
651-292-4816 (work) 
651-247-5539 (cell)

ST. PAUL, Minnesota. April 26, 2021 – Educators support the Robbinsdale Area School District’s response after a student reportedly fired several shots inside a middle school on Monday. No one was hurt and one student was arrested, according to the district. 

“Students and educators will need extra support after experiencing one of the most frightening things in public education – shots fired in a school,” said Denise Specht, president of Education Minnesota. “We’re thankful the situation was quickly resolved, and no one was physically hurt.” 

School and law enforcement officials said the student fired several shots in a hallway of Plymouth Middle School about 8:45 a.m. Monday before being arrested by a school resource officer. A gun was recovered. The school went into a lockdown affecting more than 700 students for several hours. 

“Educators still have questions about how this happened, but we appreciate the district’s commitment to providing extra mental and emotional support to students and staff,” said Peter Eckhoff, president of the Robbinsdale Federation of Teachers. “This is a stressful time and it’s incredibly important for students to say something to the adults in their life if they see that one of their friends or classmates is struggling. There’s help available. Just reach out.” 

About Education Minnesota
Education Minnesota is the voice for professional educators and students. Education Minnesota’s members include teachers and education support professionals in Minnesota’s public school districts, faculty members at Minnesota’s community and technical colleges and University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Crookston, retired educators and student teachers. Education Minnesota is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.