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Courtlin Arrington

A 17-year-old girl in Birmingham, Alabama was killed on Wednesday at her high school in what the police initially called an “accidental” shooting.

We’ve all heard about the Parkland school shooting that occurred last month. The massacre claimed over 17 lives, and of course, people are still trying to wrap their heads around yet another school shooting.

Well, according to AL.com, another one happened in Birmingham, Alabama on Wednesday. It hasn’t gotten much nationwide coverage yet, but this speaks to the fact that these shootings happen a lot more often than people realize. And this one, in particular, claimed the life of Courtlin Arrington, a black 17-year-old female senior at Huffman High School.

Graduation was just around the corner for the teen, who had gotten accepted to college already to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. Unfortunately, her life was cut short when “gunfire erupted” inside a classroom she was in, striking the girl and killing her.

“We’re not just talking about some person, we’re talking about losing a part of our future,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. “Our hearts are heavy.”

A 17-year-old boy and a teacher were injured as well, but they were later released from the hospital.

The incident was initially labeled an “accident” by Birmingham Police Chief Orlando Wilson, but yesterday, the police department took a student into custody as a person of interest.

“Detectives of the Birmingham Police Department have been working through the night reviewing evidence, video and statements on the tragic incident that took place at Huffman High School yesterday,” as written in a statement by the Department. “Due to their diligent work a person of interest has been taken into custody. Charges are pending a review of the case by the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. Because the charges are pending we will not be releasing any information on the individual in custody. Further information will be released as it becomes available.”

The high school was closed yesterday for a safety sweep and to prepare for counseling sessions with students. But students like Qiana Williams said that school shootings are the norm.

“Huffman is Huffman,” Williams said, a sophomore. “I’m used to stuff like this.”

And she’s right. Apparently, the school has metal detectors, and when Superintendent Lisa Herring was asked whether they were on the day of the shooting, she declined to comment regarding that day as this is an ongoing investigation. But she did say that there are working metal detectors at the school.

While details of what exactly happened to Courtlin are still being pieced together, Herring has asked the community to mourn the loss of a young woman in their community who had so much potential that, unfortunately, will not be fulfilled.

“I think it’s really important we find a way to mourn with the family. That we wrap our arms around the Huffman High School community,” Woodfin said. “Our entire Birmingham community is in mourning and grief right now. While there are many questions …we need to take to the time realize that a life was lost. “

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