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PORTLAND, Ore. — An Oregon football and track coach is credited with tackling an armed student at a high school in Portland Friday, preventing what could have been another school shooting tragedy, according to news outlets.
Former San Francisco 49ers analyst and University of Oregon wide receiver Keanon Lowe jumped into action at Parkrose High School when a student showed up on campus armed with a shotgun.
Students reported Lowe tackled the gunman as he entered a classroom, preventing any injuries and quelling a potentially violent situation, according to KATU-TV.
When I signed up to be a Security Guard, Football and Track & Field Coach for Parkrose High School, I did so to guide and coach young people whose shoes I had once been in. I had no idea, that I would one day have to put my life on the line like I did yesterday for my students.
— Keanon Lowe (@KeanonLowe) May 18, 2019
As students scrambled for cover, OR high school football & track Coach Keanon Lowe tackled an armed student who entered a classroom. His courageous action stopped whatever evil was intended. I’m grateful for what he did and thank God no one was injured. https://t.co/gEkdvKKfVC
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) May 18, 2019
The school went into lockdown mode and police were able to quickly take the gunman into custody.
"Thank you to the brave students who expressed their concern for their peer and to our staff who quickly responded to protect our students. Parkrose staff followed our safety protocols to keep our students safe," Superintendent Michael Serrao said in a letter after the incident, KATU reported.
I'm blessed to be alive and extremely happy that the students are safe. I'm not sure what's next, I haven't had the time to really think about it. But I am sure I want to be a part of the solution to school gun violence. Thank you @PortlandPolice for your help #ParkroseHighSchool
— Keanon Lowe (@KeanonLowe) May 18, 2019
Neither the police or the school identified Lowe as the teacher who helped disarm the gunman, but local news stations, including KATU and KPTV, reported Lowe was able to subdue and disarm the troubled student.
Students told KATU that the gunman was a student at the school and had appeared troubled in recent weeks.
Officials said the student won’t be returning to school and that classes will resume on Monday.
No doubt, @KeanonLowe is a hero. But the football coach at Parkrose High was a hero long before Friday, when he tackled a student armed with a shotgun.
— John Canzano (@johncanzanobft) May 18, 2019
My column: https://t.co/G0Xk51fNZ2
Cox Media Group
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