Mike Landsberry identified as teacher killed in Nevada school shooting
A mathematics teacher is being regarded as a “hero” after being fatally shot while apparently trying to shield students from a 12-year-old boy who opened fire at a Nevada middle school on Monday with a 9mm handgun.
Authorities have identified the slain teacher as Michael Landsberry, age 45, after his brother went public to tout his brother’s legacy as a former Marine and a member of the Nevada Air National Guard.
Michael Landsberry
Landsberry reportedly tried to protect students. Two boys were wounded before the shooter took his own life at Sparks Middle School, east of Reno.
The Associated Press reported that the incident was witnessed by 20 or 30 children.
“We have a lot of heroes today, including our children … and our fallen hero, an amazing teacher,” Washoe County School District Superintendent Pedro Martinez said.
Sparks Mayor Geno Martini said Landsberry served two tours in Afghanistan with the Nevada National Guard and was well known in the school community.
“He proudly served his country and was proudly defending the students at his school,” he said.
Authorities did not provide a motive for the shooting, and it’s not known where he got the gun. The boy killed himself with a Ruger 9mm handgun, but police haven’t released any other information at this time.
The 12-year-old wounded students were listed in stable condition. One was shot in the shoulder, and the other was hit in the abdomen.
