A Walpole, N.H., elementary school student shot and seriously wounded himself today in a cafeteria full of his classmates, officials said.
The 14-year-old boy shot himself around 11 a.m. in the Walpole Elementary School cafeteria, said Peter Heed, Cheshire County Attorney. The student was taken by Medflight to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H.. No one else was injured.
The school went into lockdown immediately after the incident occured. Students were interviewed, and sent home gradually once the school was secured, Heed said.
“We’re very fortunate,” Heed said. “A tragic situation could have been a lot worse.” Heed said the student was in serious condition as of this afternoon.
Staff at the school estimated that about 70 students were in the cafeteria and witnessed the boy shoot himself, Heed said.
The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting are under investigation.
Heed said that counselors are on hand to assist students and staff with the traumatic event.
“It’s been a very sad and busy day for those who live here in Walpole,” said Janet Clough, town administrative assistant.
New Hampshire Governor John Lynch released a statement regarding the shooting.
“This is a terrible tragedy, and I know that all of New Hampshire shares in the pain and grief of the children, families and community of the Walpole Elementary School,” he said. “The state of New Hampshire is offering whatever assistance it can to the community, along with all of our thoughts and prayers.”
The elementary school hosts about 170 students in grades five through eight.
Amanda Cedrone can be reached at
acedrone@globe.com.
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Subject: 14 year old boy shoots himself in school cafeteria 
What happended ?
