Stewartville High School in southeast Minnesota canceled all Friday classes after gunfire erupted early in the morning in the school’s parking lot. According to authorities, the shooting occurred around 5 a.m., prompting an immediate law enforcement response and a full shutdown of district facilities.
Superintendent Confirms Closure, Cites Ongoing Investigation
Stewartville Superintendent Belinda Selfors notified families that the school would remain closed Friday due to the active investigation taking place on campus.
In her message to families, she wrote, “We are supporting the investigation in any way we can. Due to the ongoing investigation, we cannot share further details at this time.”
Selfors reassured the community that there is no additional threat to students, staff or the public — a statement echoed by the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office, which is leading the investigation.
Law Enforcement Secures Scene at Stewartville High School
Deputies from the sheriff’s office responded to the incident shortly after reports of gunfire in the parking lot. Authorities described the situation as a “critical incident” in an early-morning update posted to Facebook.
The sheriff’s office emphasized: “There is no threat to the students, staff or public at this time.”
District Operations Impacted; Extracurriculars Canceled
The shooting has disrupted not only academic schedules but also after-school programming. The district announced that boys’ and girls’ basketball games against Lourdes High School scheduled for Friday night have been canceled. Other activities may be canceled or relocated depending on updates from law enforcement.
Superintendent Selfors reiterated the reason for the districtwide closure in an email to parents: “We have made this decision due to a law enforcement presence at our Middle School/High School as police investigate a shooting that occurred in the parking lot earlier this morning at 5:00 a.m.”
Press Conference Scheduled
A press conference regarding the incident is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Stewartville Fire Hall, according to Olmsted County Sheriff Capt. Tim Parkin. Officials are expected to provide additional details once investigators assess the scene.
Few details have been released so far, and authorities have not confirmed whether there were injuries or suspects involved. The investigation is active and ongoing.
