Dallas School Shooting Suspect Let in by Student Before Opening Fire

A 17-year-old suspect accused of opening fire at a Dallas high school on Tuesday was allowed inside the building by another student through an unsecured door, according to a newly released arrest affidavit.

The incident occurred just after 1 p.m. at Wilmer-Hutchins High School, where surveillance video reportedly captured Tracy Haynes Jr. entering the school, walking through the hallways, and then pulling out a gun and firing at a group of male students. 

Four students were hospitalized with injuries, while a fifth received treatment for anxiety-related symptoms.

The affidavit also details a harrowing moment when Haynes allegedly approached a student who couldn’t escape and attempted to fire at point-blank range. The gun jammed—an event that may have saved that student’s life, according to officials from Dallas ISD Police.

Haynes turned himself into authorities late Tuesday and was booked into the Dallas County Jail. He now faces a charge of aggravated assault mass shooting, a first-degree felony. His bond is set at $600,000. Should he post bond, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office says he must wear an ankle monitor.

District officials confirmed that the firearm was not brought into the school during the standard intake procedures, which often include the use of metal detectors. “It was not a failure of our staff, our protocols, or the machinery that we have in place,” said Dallas ISD Assistant Chief of Police Christina Smith.

The school has since canceled classes for the remainder of the week. As the investigation continues, mental health professionals will be made available to students and staff.

The Dallas Independent School District stated that most middle and high schools have metal detectors in place. Still, it emphasized that this incident underscores the importance of maintaining secure entry points throughout the day. 

The identity of the student who allowed Haynes inside has not been released.