On Monday, October 23, 2023, in Germantown, Wisconsin, a man was killed on the rooftop of Kennedy Middle School when he shot at police officers who had arrived in response to calls.

The Germantown Police Department first went to the school around 6:30 pm after receiving reports about a man “acting erratically” in the parking area. The individual, who seemingly had no ties to the school or the wider Germantown community, was operating a vehicle with license plates from another state.

The same man had earlier driven to a car repair shop in Germantown, Wisconsin, where he exhibited unusual behavior. Later, he moved toward Kennedy Middle School. At the time, approximately 70 students and 20 adults were in the school participating in after-school events. Although he tried to enter the school, the doors were locked. Subsequently, he climbed the school’s roof and started shooting at the arriving police officers.

Three officers shot back at the man. He was struck and despite being given first aid, was declared dead at the location. Thankfully, no one else was hurt in this episode. For their security, the students in the school were kept on lockdown.

Samantha Scherdin, a seventh-grade student at Kennedy Middle School who was at a dance class during the incident, shared her experience. She mentioned, “A lot was happening. My friends and I clung to each other, crying. However, we had to maintain silence to ensure our safety inside. We heard the sounds of gunshots and shouts.”

The school district acted promptly afterwards, arranging buses to move the students from Kennedy Middle School to a nearby elementary school, MacArthur Elementary School. Parents were advised to have identification ready for the pickup of their children. By the next day, all students and staff were confirmed safe and back with their families.

The school district kept the community informed using social media platforms. In their statement, they highlighted that this was an isolated event and assured everyone that there was no longer a threat. They also noted that all confrontations with the man took place outside the school premises.

Following the event, the school remained closed the next day. The investigation was handed over to the Department of Justice. The police officers involved were given administrative leave, as is standard practice.