DALLAS — A shooting at Wilmer-Hutchins High School in southeast Dallas left four students injured Tuesday afternoon, April 15, prompting a massive police response and locking down the campus. A 17-year-old suspect turned himself in hours later, but parents and students are demanding answers about how a gun got inside—again.
The chaos started just after 1 p.m. at the school on Langdon Road, when gunshots echoed through the halls. Dallas Independent School District police said a student, later identified as Tracy Haynes Jr., fired at students, hitting three with bullets and grazing a fourth. A fifth student may have been injured, though reports conflict. All were taken to nearby hospitals, with injuries ranging from serious to minor, officials said.
“It was terrifying,” said Sevynn Jones, an 18-year-old senior. “We heard shots and just ran to hide behind desks.”
Police swarmed the campus, evacuating students to the football field where parents gathered, frantic. Dallas ISD locked down the school, urging people to stay away. By 2:20 p.m., officials declared the campus secure.
Haynes, who police say was let into the school through a side door by another student, surrendered that night. He’s now in Dallas County Jail, facing a charge of aggravated assault mass shooting with a $600,000 bond.
Dallas ISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde called the incident “heartbreaking” at a news conference.
“We’re doing everything to support our kids and families,” she said, adding that classes are canceled for the week. Mental health counselors will be on hand when school resumes.
This isn’t the first time Wilmer-Hutchins has faced gunfire. Almost exactly a year ago, on April 12, 2024, a student was shot in a classroom, sparking protests over lax security. Back then, students said metal detectors weren’t always used, and clear backpack rules were spotty. After that shooting, the district promised more staff, better training, and stricter checks.
Yet Tuesday’s shooting has parents like Unique Willis furious.
“My son’s not safe here,” Willis said, waiting to pick up her child. “I’m pulling him out. This can’t keep happening.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott offered support, calling the shooting a “senseless act of violence.” He said he spoke with Elizalde and promised resources to help.
“We’re praying for the victims and the whole school community,” Abbott said in a statement.
Police are still sorting out how Haynes got a gun past security. An arrest affidavit said he fired “indiscriminately” and shot one student at close range. The investigation is ongoing, with body-camera footage under review.
For now, Wilmer-Hutchins is closed, and its 1,000 students are left wondering when they’ll feel safe again.