The police officers involved in the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old armed student at a Wisconsin middle school will not face criminal charges, according to an announcement made on Monday by Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne.
On May 1, Damian Haglund was carrying an air rifle that closely resembled a real firearm as he attempted to gain entry into the middle school in the Village of Mount Horeb. Despite multiple commands to drop the weapon, Haglund refused and pointed the rifle at an officer twice, threatening the officers’ lives, according to the district attorney’s statement.
Village of Mount Horeb police had received a call that morning about an individual walking near the middle school carrying what appeared to be a gun. Officer Steve Rosemeyer, the school resource officer, responded to the scene and witnessed students fleeing as he approached. He then saw Haglund tugging on one of the school’s doors while holding what looked like a rifle.
Believing that Haglund intended to enter the school and potentially harm students, Rosemeyer repeatedly ordered him to drop the weapon and move away from the school. Haglund ignored these commands and continued to pull on the door before turning and pointing the rifle directly at Rosemeyer.
In his report, Rosemeyer noted that he hesitated to shoot initially because Haglund appeared to be a child. However, when Haglund aimed the rifle at Rosemeyer’s face, the officer feared for his life, stating that he thought he would never see his children again.
As more police officers arrived, shots were fired. Haglund was hit, fell to the ground, but got up and pointed the rifle at Rosemeyer again. More shots were fired, and Haglund fell once more. Even from the ground, Haglund pointed the rifle at Rosemeyer, prompting the officer to fire again. Despite efforts to save his life, Haglund died at the scene.
Investigators later discovered a note on Haglund’s bedroom wall addressed to the officers involved in the shooting. The note read, “To the officers that had to shoot me: I’m sorry. It’s not your fault. Don’t forget that.”