Shooting at Mark Twain Elementary School Leaves Two Deceased

A tragic shooting occurred at Mark Twain Elementary School located at 5134 S. Lotus Ave. in Garfield Ridge on Monday afternoon. According to preliminary police information, the incident involved a man and a woman in critical condition. They sustained gunshot wounds inside a classroom on the city’s Southwest Side.

Trumaine Reeves, executive vice president of SEIU Local 73, informed the Tribune that both victims were custodians. However, it remains unclear if they were union members. Local 73 represents a significant number of support staff within Chicago Public Schools, totaling 13,000.

“At least two families are affected by this tragedy,” stated Reeves. “Our hearts and prayers are with them, as well as with the school community impacted by this devastating event.”

Police from the Chicago Lawn district arrived to discover a 48-year-old woman with a gunshot wound to the head. A 63-year-old man suffered from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities recovered a firearm at the scene.

Both victims were transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, initially in critical condition, but were later pronounced dead. The circumstances surrounding the event appeared grim with at least 10 squad cars stationed outside the school, and police tape cordoning off the area.

“All of a sudden, SWAT came,” remarked local resident Kelly Carrillo. She observed paramedics removing one victim on a stretcher.

Kelly Carrillo, a resident of six years, expressed shock at the scene as her neighborhood usually remains peaceful. The unexpected police presence and the shooting at the school were unsettling for her.

The incident unfolded just weeks before the school year begins. Concerns arose over whether the school would reopen on schedule. Detectives from the Wentworth Area are actively investigating the shooting.