Pittsburgh Public Schools adds new football game security after shooting near Cupples Stadium
PITTSBURGH —
Pittsburgh Public Schools has canceled all afternoon activities following a shooting outside of Cupples Stadium.
As a precaution, all schools in the district have also been placed in a ‘secure mode,’ which limits interactions between people going into and leaving the building.
In addition, the school district has added new measures for tonight’s Friday night football games. All spectators who go to the game must be 18 years of age or older. No loitering will be allowed outside of the stadium.
At Cupples Stadium, outside where the shooting happened, all spectators must stay in designated stands and may not stand or gather in walkways or corridors.
There will be additional police and security at Pittsburgh Public Schools games.
Pittsburgh Perry’s football game will continue with their Senior Night, and families may attend.
“We know moments like this can be frightening and unsettling. Please take care of one another, and know that Pittsburgh Public Schools is committed to keeping our students and families safe and informed,” Superintendent Wayne N. Walters said in a statement.
What happened outside the stadium
Officers responded to the shooting near South 9th and East Carson streets, just outside the stadium Thursday. Police said the shots were fired as crowds were exiting the venue, where Westinghouse played University Prep in a City League matchup.
Two male victims and one female victim, all believed to be teenagers, were taken to the hospital and are in stable condition, Pittsburgh Police Chief Jason Lando said.
“It’s very unfortunate regardless of whether you’re a student, family member or member of the community, you should be able to go to these games, enjoy yourself, have a good time, not worry about violence,” Lando said.
In addition to the extra police presence, metal detectors were used to get into the stadium, but it is unclear if the shooter or the victims had been inside the stadium for the game.
Police said the shooter ran away and is still at large. A detailed description was not immediately available. One person was taken to police headquarters for questioning about the incident and police recovered a gun which may have been used in the shooting.