The police officers who shot and killed an armed student as he attempted to enter a Wisconsin middle school will not face criminal charges, prosecutors said Monday.
Damian Haglund, 14, was carrying an air gun that resembled a real firearm, rejected several demands to drop it, and pointed it at at least two officers, endangering their lives, Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne said in a statement.
According to the statement, on May 1, police in the village of Mount Horeb received a complaint about someone strolling past a home holding a rifle near the middle school.
As he neared the middle school, an officer noticed students running out, and Haglund pulled on one of the doors. He carried what seemed to be a firearm.
According to the Department of Justice’s investigative report, the officer, identified as school resource officer Steve Rosemeyer, believed Haglund would enter the school and cause harm to pupils. Rosemeyer started screaming at Haglund to drop the weapon and leave the school, but Haglund kept yanking on the door.
Despite repeated orders to put down the weapon, Haglund began marching toward Rosemeyer and pointed it at him. Rosemeyer explained in the report that he “did not immediately shoot because he thought the subject was a kid.”
Moments later, the report indicates that the student “pointed the rifle at SRO Rosemeyer’s face, and SRO Rosemeyer thought he would never see his children again because he was going to die.”
Bullets fired as additional officers arrived. After appearing injured, Haglund slumped to the ground, stood up, and leveled the weapon at Rosemeyer once more. They fired more rounds, causing Haglund to fall again.
He aimed the weapon at Rosemeyer again from the ground. The officer then shot his firearm at Haglund, according to the investigation report. Officers attempted to save his life, but Haglund died on the scene.
Officials found a letter on Haglund’s bedroom wall that said, “To the officers who had to shoot me: I’m sorry.” It is not your fault.” Do not forget that.”
