WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH, La. - The West Baton Rouge School Board has unveiled comprehensive safety enhancements after a tragic shooting incident during a football game.
The incident occurred on Friday, September 1, during the spirited matchup between Port Allen High School and Brusly High School. Regrettably, the gunfire claimed the life of 16-year-old Ja’Kobe Queen, while Brasia Davis, 28, sustained injuries.
To ensure the security and well-being of its students, school officials have taken proactive measures that will be in effect when high school students return to class on Tuesday, September 5.
"We want parents to have complete confidence in the safety of their children within WBR Schools. As an abundance of caution, we are augmenting the law enforcement presence at high schools," stated WBR Schools Superintendent Chandler Smith. "This is in conjunction with our long-standing Zero Eyes security system, which has been operational in our schools for over two years. Zero Eyes detects any individual carrying a firearm or metal weapon within the school premises and promptly alerts school security personnel and law enforcement." READ FULL STATEMENT FROM WBR SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT BELOW
Furthermore, heightened safety measures will be implemented at forthcoming athletic events and other school gatherings across West Baton Rouge Parish. These measures will include the installation of scanners and the establishment of "very limited, secured entries" at all games.
In addressing the emotional aftermath of the incident, school officials have arranged for mental health personnel to be available on campus the day after Labor Day. Additionally, a QR code on the WBR School Board's website provides access to further mental health resources.
Smith expressed his heartfelt condolences: "We are deeply saddened for the families affected by the shooting, and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all those impacted and our entire WBR community. The West Baton Rouge community is resilient and united, and together we will overcome this tragic event."
The school board is collaborating closely with the West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office and the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in the ongoing investigation. Law enforcement has taken a teenager into custody in connection with the shooting incident.
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