FORNEY, TX — A terrifying afternoon unfolded just outside Brown Middle School in Forney ISD as gunfire erupted in a residential neighborhood near Windmill Farms Boulevard, leaving two people shot and two suspects taken into custody.
The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department has launched an active investigation into the shooting, which occurred around 2:45 p.m. on Friday, sending shockwaves through the quiet suburban community. While authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the victims or suspects, early reports indicate that the incident may have stemmed from an altercation between rival groups.
Forney ISD swiftly responded to the developing situation, implementing heightened security measures across multiple school campuses, including Brown Middle School, North Forney Middle School, Smith Intermediate, Dewberry Elementary, Blackburn Elementary, and Forney Learning Academy.
Despite the close proximity of the gunfire, school officials have assured parents that the shooting did not occur on school grounds and that all students and staff remained safe throughout the incident. However, the tense atmosphere led to significant disruptions, including school lockdowns, delayed dismissals, and an increased law enforcement presence across the district.
Eyewitness Accounts: Chaos Erupts Near Brown Middle School
Residents of Windmill Farms Boulevard described the terrifying moment when multiple gunshots rang out, piercing the afternoon air and causing panic among students, parents, and neighbors.
“I was pulling into my driveway when I heard the shots—at least five or six in rapid succession,” said Lisa Hernandez, a resident who lives just two blocks from the crime scene. “Then I saw a car speed off, and within minutes, sirens were everywhere.”
Another witness, Daryl Simmons, a parent picking up his child from Brown Middle School, recalled the frightening confusion that followed the gunfire.
“Kids were still inside, and all of a sudden, there were sheriff’s deputies running toward a house nearby. It was pure chaos,” Simmons said. “We didn’t know if the shooter was still out there.”
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the victims and suspects were students, but early reports suggest that the altercation may have been premeditated.
Forney ISD’s Swift Response and Campus Lockdowns
As soon as authorities were alerted to the shooting, Forney ISD moved quickly to secure multiple schools in the area.
The district immediately placed Brown Middle School and five other nearby campuses on “secure” status, meaning that all exterior doors were locked, and no one was allowed in or out of the buildings while law enforcement assessed the situation.
Forney ISD issued an official statement at 3:15 p.m., stating:
“While the incident occurred off-campus, we are taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Local law enforcement is actively investigating, and we are cooperating fully with their efforts. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.”
At approximately 3:30 p.m., security measures were lifted, and schools began dismissing students to parents and buses. However, students who walk home were held until 4:00 p.m., causing significant delays for many families.
“We understand this was a frightening experience for our community,” said Dr. Justin Terry, Forney ISD Superintendent. “We are grateful for the swift response from law enforcement and the cooperation of our staff, students, and parents.”
Crime Scene Details and Police Investigation
Sheriff’s deputies quickly established a crime scene perimeter, using yellow tape to block off the area surrounding a vehicle parked near Brown Middle School. The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that two individuals were shot and transported to an area hospital, though their conditions remain undisclosed.
Authorities have not ruled out gang activity as a possible motive.
“We are investigating all angles, including the possibility of a gang-related shooting,” said Kaufman County Sheriff Bryan Beavers. “We have two individuals in custody and will be conducting interviews to determine what led to the gunfire.”
Investigators spent hours combing the area for evidence, examining shell casings, surveillance footage, and witness statements to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.
While the suspects’ identities remain undisclosed, law enforcement sources indicate that they are both males, believed to be between the ages of 16 and 19.
The Impact on Forney: A Suburb Grappling with Rising Violence
The shooting near Brown Middle School has reignited concerns about the rising trend of gun violence in suburban areas.
Forney, once known for its small-town charm and family-friendly atmosphere, has seen an increase in violent crime over the past year.
- In 2024, Forney experienced a 22% rise in gun-related incidents, according to local crime data.
- Law enforcement officials have warned of increasing gang activity in areas surrounding Kaufman County.
- This marks the third shooting incident near a Forney ISD school within the last six months.
Concerned parents and community leaders are now demanding stronger security measures to prevent further incidents near schools.
“This is completely unacceptable,” said Maria Gonzalez, a mother of three students in Forney ISD. “We moved here for safety, and now we’re afraid to send our kids to school.”
Local officials have scheduled a town hall meeting next week to address safety concerns, discuss potential policy changes, and explore ways to strengthen collaboration between law enforcement and the school district.
What Happens Next?
As of Friday evening, the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate the shooting, with detectives working around the clock to determine:
- The relationship between the suspects and victims
- Whether the shooting was premeditated or a spontaneous act of violence
- Potential gang affiliations or other motives behind the attack
The Forney community is reeling, but officials have assured residents that increased law enforcement patrols will be present around school zones in the coming days.
The two suspects remain in custody and are expected to face multiple felony charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Depending on the severity of the victims’ injuries, charges could escalate further.
Forney ISD has urged parents to speak with their children about school safety and encourages students to report any suspicious activity to authorities.
How to Stay Informed & Support the Community
Forney ISD has set up a dedicated information hotline at (972) 564-4055 for parents with questions or concerns.
Additionally, local advocacy groups are organizing community forums and safety workshops to help prevent future violence.
As Forney grapples with the aftermath of this terrifying incident, one thing remains clear: The fight to keep schools safe is far from over.
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