Three Wisconsin police officers will not face criminal charges for the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old student, Damian Haglund, who attempted to break into his middle school with an air rifle this past spring, prosecutors announced on Monday.
Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne explained that the air rifle Haglund carried looked like a real firearm, and he ignored multiple commands to drop the weapon. The officers involved, Tyler Stephens, Carson Stoddard, and Steve Rosemeyer, were exonerated.
The shooting occurred on May 1 at Mount Horeb Middle School. Investigative reports released by the state Justice Department revealed that Haglund had been planning the attack for months, intending to target popular students. His journal, dated January 26, outlined a “Battle Plan” that included stealing a car, burning down the library, and attacking students. He planned to escape and die afterward.
Investigators also found a message on his bedroom wall apologizing to the police officer who would eventually shoot him.
Surveillance footage showed Haglund trying to break into the school, and officers opened fire after he refused to drop the air rifle. The officers fired multiple rounds, preventing Haglund from entering the school. No other students were harmed.
Haglund’s backpack contained BBs, a homemade explosive, fireworks, and a vial of uranium ore, which was meant for testing Geiger counters.
The Mount Horeb Police Department and Attorney General Josh Kaul praised the officers’ quick response and the community’s support during the aftermath of the incident.
Teachers described Haglund as a smart, quirky student who had been bullied in the past but had not experienced bullying this school year. He was interested in architecture, hiking, and video games.
Mount Horeb Area School District Superintendent Steve Salerno noted that the investigation highlighted the bravery of the first responders.
Mount Horeb is a small village southwest of Madison, Wisconsin.