PARMA HEIGHTS, Ohio — Two days after a student fatally shot herself inside Valley Forge High School, Parma Heights officials confirmed that she did not intend to harm anyone at the school but herself.
Just after 2 p.m. on Monday, Parma Heights Police and Parma Police responded to Valley Forge High School after receiving the call about a gunshot inside the school's cafeteria. Parma Heights Police said officers arrived at the school in a minute and a half.
An officer located the student, secured the gun and administered first aid, along with members of the Parma Heights Fire Department.
The 18-year-old student was transported to a nearby hospital, where she died from her injury, Parma Heights Police said.
Parma Heights Police said during a Wednesday afternoon press conference that the gun belonged to a family member of the student.
Watch the full press conference below:
No arrests or charges have been made in connection with what happened, police said.
Both Valley Forge High School and Normandy High School have remained closed since Monday. On Wednesday, Parma City Schools Superintendent Dr. Scott Hunt said the schools will reopen on Friday.
State testing that was scheduled for this week has been canceled, Hunt said.
In the days since, grief has turned into growing concern, with parents and students now demanding changes to school safety in all district buildings.
Many parents say they are struggling to understand how a student was able to bring a firearm into the building and remain inside throughout the school day.
Conversations about school safety have been held among the city, police and the school district, and requests for safety changes, such as installing metal detectors, will be discussed during a review of the district's safety protocols, Hunt said.
Once students return to school on Friday, Hunt said there will be an increased staff and security presence, along with access to mental health services for students and staff.
