Crime & Safety

Pittsburgh School Shooting: 15-Year-Old Slain Outside Building

An Oliver Citywide Academy student died after being shot in the chest as classes were being dismissed on Wednesday.

PITTSBURGH, PA — A 15-year-old teen died Wednesday after he was shot inside a school van outside of Pittsburgh Oliver Citywide Academy. The teen was pronounced dead at Allegheny General Hospital after being shot in the chest..

According to the Pittsburgh Public Schools, two people approached the van as classes began begin dismissed around 1:45 p.m. and fired shots into the van. The school was immediately placed on lockdown; students since have been allowed to leave the building.

"I am directing my police force to go out there and use all resources as necessary to ensure that we find out what's going on and bring people to justice for this heinous and criminal act," Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey said following the shooting.

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Pittsburgh Public Schools interim superintendent Wayne Walters said Oliver students and employee assistance providers will be made available.

One of the victim's teachers, Walters said, shared that he had been there since the third grade and loved school.

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"His smile was contagious and lit up a room," Walters said. "His sense of humor was infectious."

Because of the shooting, Oliver will be on remote learning for the remainder of the week.

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