Memphis police shoot gunman who opened fire outside Jewish school, thwarting 'potential mass shooting'

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The Memphis Police Department announced that their officers shot and detained the gunman who attempted to enter a Jewish school on Monday afternoon.

Police received a report that an armed male fired his gun outside of Margolin Hebrew Academy at around 12:20 p.m. The suspect left the scene after failing to get inside.

"Thankfully, that school had a great safety procedure and process in place and avoided anyone being harmed or injured at that scene," Memphis Police Assistant Chief Don Crowe said at a presser. No one was injured at the scene.

Although the suspect has not been publicly identified by police, Tennessee Congressman Steve Cohen announced that the gunman was a former student.

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An armed man fired a gun outside Margolin Hebrew Academy, Memphis police said. (Google Maps)

"We have recently learned that the shooter at the Margolin Hebrew Academy was himself Jewish and a former student at the school," Cohen said in a press release. "I am pleased the academy had effective security and that the police acted quickly to protect students."

The suspect left the scene in a Ram pickup truck with California tags that was later spotted by authorities.

"MPD then received information that the suspect was possibly seen in Bartlett, TN," the Memphis Police Department said in a statement. "Moments later, MPD Officers on patrol located the suspect's vehicle in the area of McCrory and Gary."

Police then stopped the car, and the suspect got out while holding a handgun.

A police officer then shot the suspect. He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. 

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Memphis police later located the suspect in the area of McCrory and Gary streets. (Google Maps)

"Due to the suspect's condition and in accordance with police, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has been contacted and will be conducting this investigation," the police's press release added.

Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis commended her officers' quick response to the threat.

"I am proud of the vigilant and quick response of MPD officers who mitigated a potential mass shooting situation today," Davis said. "Many thanks to our neighboring jurisdictions for also providing critical information to stop the suspect's actions."

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The Memphis police chief said she was proud of her officers' actions that stopped a "potential mass shooting situation." (Google Maps)

Fox News Digital reached out to Margolin Hebrew Academy for a statement, but has not heard back.