A South Alabama man reportedly boarded a school bus this afternoon and demanded a young child be taken off the bus. The bus driver refused to meet the man's demands. Witnesses say the man told several students to get off of the bus then shot the bus driver four times before taking a 6 year old boy and fleeing the scene. One reported stated that the young boy taken from the bus has autism. It is unclear if the suspect is in a near by bunker negotiating with police or if he is at large.
The stories of elementary aged children running in fear from their school bus while an armed man repeatedly pulls the trigger is heartbreaking and brings with it flashes of the Sandy Hook Elementary School catastrophe. Today's tragedy serves as another reminder of the importance of addressing safety in public schools. It has instilled fear in parents around the country all over again. As parents demand answers, the vulnerability of an unarmed bus driver will certainly fuel the argument of gun control that has become the center of a national debate.
The investigation is ongoing and reports are still coming as in police and other agencies continue to speak with witnesses.
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