UPDATE (April 14, 2021, 4:00 Eastern): The TBI has confirmed the student who died during Monday’s incident as Anthony J. Thompson, Jr. (DOB 12/1/2003). Additionally, as the investigation continues, and as TBI agents learn more about the set of events that unfolded at Austin-East Magnet High School Monday afternoon, the Bureau would like to update the set of events as we understand them at this time.
The role of the TBI in these investigations is to determine the facts based on the evidence and present those facts and evidence to the District Attorney General. During investigations, agents discover facts that may clarify initial reports. This is why our agency uses terms in our releases such as “preliminary,” “possibly,” and “reportedly.” This update provides clarification to the initial information released on this case.
- After receiving the report of a student possibly armed with a gun, responding KPD officers located the student inside a school restroom at Austin-East.
- Officers entered the restroom.
- During a subsequent struggle, the student’s gun was fired. This was followed by law enforcement firing twice.
- Preliminary examinations indicate the bullet that struck the KPD officer was not fired from the student’s handgun.
TBI’s findings will be shared with the District Attorney General throughout the investigative process, which remains active and ongoing.
EARLIER STATEMENT:
At the request of 6th District Attorney General Charme Allen, TBI special agents are investigating the circumstances leading to an officer-involved shooting this afternoon in Knoxville.
Preliminary information indicates that at approximately 3:15 p.m., the Knoxville Police Department received a report of an individual possibly armed with a gun at Austin-East Magnet High School. Upon arrival, officers located the individual inside a school restroom. They ordered him out, but he refused to comply. As officers entered the restroom, the subject reportedly fired shots, striking an officer. One officer returned fire. The subject was pronounced dead at the scene and has since been identified as a student. The officer who was shot was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
At this time, the investigation remains active and ongoing, as TBI Agents continue to gather any and all relevant evidence, interviews, and information. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the District Attorney General for her further review and consideration.
The TBI does not identify the officers involved in these types of incidents and, instead, refer questions of that nature to their respective department to answer as it sees fit.
As a reminder, the TBI acts solely as fact-finders in its cases and does not determine whether the actions of an officer were justified in these types of matters. That decision rests solely with the District Attorney General requesting TBI’s involvement.
Any updates on this investigation, including the name of the deceased individual, will be posted online at TBINewsroom.com.
TBINewsroom.com 