Two school custodians died after being shot inside a Chicago elementary school on Monday, just days before students are set to return to the classroom, according to police, the employees’ union, and a local elected official.
“The Chicago police are actively investigating and are assuring the community that this is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public,” Tabares said.
Police said they received a call at about 3:40 p.m. from the 5100 block of South Lotus Avenue in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood. Officers found a 48-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man inside the school, each with a gunshot wound to the head. Both were taken to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
As of Monday night, police had not released the names of the deceased or disclosed who fired the shots. NTD reached out to the Chicago Police Department for additional information.
SEIU Local 73, the union representing the employees, said that both people were school custodians.
Students are scheduled to return Aug. 24. Tabares said her office would work with the Chicago Board of Education to review what steps are needed to protect students and prevent a similar incident.
“We stand ready to support the students, parents, and staff of Mark Twain Elementary during this difficult time,” Tabares said.
Mark Twain Elementary is a Chicago public neighborhood school serving students from prekindergarten through eighth grade.
Parents responded to Tabares’ post expressing concern and sadness. “As a parent of a Mark Twain student, this hits close to home. I am very saddened by this. Praying for all involved,” one parent wrote.
Another parent commented, “I have been asking for better cameras since 2023. It’s time to replace the outdated ones and install metal detectors.”