15-year-old brought .357 revolver from home in Bulverde school shooting

BULVERDE, Texas – New details are emerging after a deadly school shooting Monday at Hill Country College Preparatory High School in Bulverde.

The Comal County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Tuesday that a 15-year-old student used a .357 revolver he brought from home. Investigators have not identified a motive, though officials say they are reviewing the student’s academic history and other factors.

Authorities executed a search warrant at the boy’s home, seizing several electronic devices for forensic examination as they work to determine what led to the shooting.

Investigators said the student shot a teacher before turning the gun on himself. The teacher remains hospitalized, but her condition has not been released. The identities of both the teacher and the student have not been made public.

No other injuries were reported at the campus, which serves about 250 students in the growing community north of San Antonio.

RELATED: 15-year-old shoots teacher then fatally shoots himself

The school was placed on lockdown shortly after 8:30 a.m., and students were later bused to a nearby middle school for reunification with their families. Some parents waited in long lines, some praying, as they were reunited with their children. The shooter’s family members were also present at the reunification site, officials said.

“We’re trying to collect as much information as we can from witnesses,” said Comal County Sheriff Mark Reynolds.

Reynolds said investigators are working to understand the relationship between the student and the teacher and how the firearm was obtained.

Classes were canceled Tuesday, but counselors are being made available to students and families, Principal Julie Wiley said in a statement.

“Our hearts are with everyone impacted, especially that teacher, their family, and our school community,” Wiley said. “We know this has been a difficult day.”

The school, part of the Comal Independent School District, focuses on preparing students for college through a STEAM-based curriculum, including courses in cybersecurity and engineering.

Resources Available

Hill Country College Preparatory High School recognizes that even after a critical incident is resolved, students and families may experience lingering emotional effects. Children may respond in different ways, including confusion, fear, sadness, irritability, or physical complaints such as headaches or stomachaches. Parents play a crucial role in helping their children process these emotions and feel supported at home.

Common reactions children may show after a lockdown or stressful event include increased activity, decreased concentration, anger or irritability, sadness or withdrawal, physical complaints, and repeatedly talking about the event. Recognizing these reactions can help parents respond in supportive ways.

How You Can Support Your Child

Create space to talk: Encourage your child to share how they are feeling. Let them know it’s okay to feel upset, worried, or confused. Some children may prefer to draw, write, or play music as a creative outlet.Listen calmly: Try to listen without interrupting or rushing to “fix” their feelings. Your calm presence is reassuring.Offer reassurance: Remind your child that adults at school and in the community work together every day to keep students safe.Keep routines consistent: Regular schedules can help children feel secure and grounded.Limit exposure to rumors or social media: Too much information or speculation can increase anxiety.Watch for ongoing stress: Changes in sleep, appetite, mood, or behavior may be signs your child needs extra support.

Mental Health Resources

If your child continues to experience distress, support is available:

School Counselors and student support specialists will be available to speak with students who need supportYou may consider reaching out to your child’s pediatrician or a licensed mental health professional.Contact your health care insurance provider to identify in-network providers.

Resources

Several community resources are available for families seeking extra support:

Comal Cares – Directory of local human services, nonprofit organizations, and government programs. https://comalcares.org/directory/San Antonio Community Resource Directory (SACRD) – Comprehensive listing of human services and support groups. https://sacrd.org/directory/Hill Country MHDD Centers – Behavioral health, crisis care, and developmental services. Call (830) 792-3300, Crisis Hotline 1-877-466-0660.Bluebonnet Trails Community Services (Guadalupe County) – Support services for individuals and families. Call 844-309-6385, Crisis Hotline 1-800-841-1255.Center for Health Care Services (Bexar County) – Integrated care for mental health and developmental disabilities. Call 833-501-2427, Crisis Helpline 800-316-9241.TCHATT – Virtual short-term counseling for students, accessible through school counselors.Hope Hospice Children’s Grief Program – Counseling, support groups, and grief camps for children. Call 830-625-7525.Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas – Support for grieving children and families. Call 210-736-4847.