Social justice group to protest in front of Mansfield Timberview following shooting
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Mansfield Timberview High School shooting
Four people were injured in a shooting at Mansfield Timberview High School in Arlington. Police arrested the shooter, a student at the school.
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A Fort Worth social justice group plans to demand security and anti-bullying measures from officials at Timberview High School and Mansfield school district Tuesday morning, as students and staff head back to classes for the first time since the shooting that left four injured.
Leaders with United My Justice said the district has not provided them plans to improve security on campus after police say Timothy Simpkins, an 18-year-old student, pulled a gun from his backpack and started shooting after a fight with another student Wednesday morning.
Simpkins, who was released from jail Thursday, faces three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after turning himself in. Zacchaeus Selby, a 15-year-old Timberview student, and Calvin Pettitt, a 25-year-old teacher, were hospitalized with gunshot wounds. Another student was reportedly grazed by bullets, and teacher Pariesa Altman was injured in a fall during the commotion, police said. Carol Harrison Lafayette, a representative for Simpkins’ family, has said the student had been bullied and robbed at Timberview, and the incidents were reported to teachers and the principal.
Leaders with United My Justice said they plan to hold a protest and press conference at the high school at 8 a.m. Tuesday because the district has not shared its plans to prevent another shooting or bullying.
“The school has failed both of these two young men and are going to continue to fail until they stop this bullying,” said Donnell Ballard, president of United My Justice.
Mansfield school district representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment Monday afternoon. A spokesperson told media last week the district will evaluate its safety policies. The school district does not have metal detectors or a clear bag policy, but has two police officers stationed at every school.
Education advocacy groups called for a “hard look” into safety measures, including educator resources to de-escalate fights and legislation surrounding gun safety, hours after the shooting. The shooting has also ignited discussions among Mansfield school district parents about potential safety measures.
“We’re just trying to figure out if they have a plan to prevent this from ever happening again,” Niki Pugh, United My Justice vice president, said in a phone interview.
District officials canceled classes and after-school activities Oct. 7 and offered in-person and virtual counseling sessions for students, families and employees to process the shooting. Mansfield school district students can also receive free mental health referrals from caresolace.com/site/mansfield or visit the district website for 24-hour crisis resources.
This story was originally published October 11, 2021 at 5:04 PM.
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