Tragedy struck the Nevada town of Sparks on Monday around 7:15 in the morning when a middle school student opened fire. One brave teacher, Mike Landsberry, had stepped in to protect the children, and was shot and killed. Mike Landsberry had served in the military, including spending time in Afghanistan on multiple tours. Reports claim that the shooter had taken the gun from his parents; however, a motive behind the shooting has not yet been released.

According to Tom Robinson, who is the deputy chief of the Reno Police Department, “It’s too early to say whether he was targeting specific people or just going on an indiscriminate shooting spree.”

Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval released a statement about the school shooting.

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the horrific shooting at Sparks Middle School this morning. My administration is receiving regular updates and the Nevada Highway Patrol is assisting at the scene. Kathleen and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims and those affected by these tragic events.”

While twenty to thirty students witnessed the unfolding trauma, one 13-year-old student spoke about the devastating situation with the Reno Gazette-Journal.

“The student [shooter] fired a shot at the teacher, and the teacher fell, and everybody ran away,” the student said.

Mike Landsberry is remembered and honored for his heroism. Sparks Mayor Geno Martini spoke with CNN about the honorable teacher. “It’s very unfortunate that someone like that, who protected our country over there and came back alive … had to be taken at his work, at a school. It’s very devastating,” Mayor Geno Martini said.

Two 12-year-old students were wounded because of the shooting, with one being shot in the shoulder while the other was shot in the stomach. Both students are in stable condition at this time.

The tragedy poses many questions about the safety of schools. Nobody can expect teachers and administrative personnel to protect children from every threat that could arise during the daytime school operating hours. Is there more than can be done to ensure that these horrific events do not continue?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSJVPj75qt4

[Image And Videos Via YouTube]