"Introverted and Aloof"; Students Describe Suspect in Antigo HS Prom Shooting

Saturday night, April 23, at approximately 11:00 PM, a man arrived at the Antigo High School Prom with a rifle and began shooting while outside the entrance to the building, according to a release from Antigo Police.

Two students who were attending prom festivities were shot as they exited the building. City of Antigo Officers who were patrolling the parking area heard the shots, and one of those officers was able to return fire to the shooter stopping the threat to additional students.

According to police, the officer’s immediate response prevented further injuries and possible casualties. The initial investigation and officer response indicate this was a lone shooter and a search warrant is being executed at his residence seeking any additional information pertaining to this incident.

At 1:06 AM, Sunday morning, the shooter, 18-year-old Jakob E. Wagner, passed away after lifesaving measures at a nearby hospital.

Students say Wagner was a quiet kid who kept to himself.

"He was kind of introverted," says Junior Nikita Deep. "He was kind of aloof. I was never one to say oh this is someone who's going to inflict damage on other people. It doesn't seem normal that it was that kid that did this." 

One female victim was treated for a gunshot wound at the hospital and released. One male victim is currently undergoing surgery for non-life threatening injuries.

As of Sunday evening, the Wisconsin Department of Justice has taken over the investigation since it is an officer-involved shooting.

An autopsy on Wagner was completed by the Fond du Lac Medical Examiner on Sunday.

According to a statement from the Unified School District of Antigo, a thorough search of the high school has been completed and school will resume on Monday so students and staff can have access to support from counselors.

There will be a heightened police presence around the high school for the next few days. 

Governor Walker released the following statement regarding the shooting:

Tonette and I send our thoughts and prayers to the students of Antigo High School, their families, and the community of Antigo. We pray for the full recovery of those injured, and we praise the response of the Antigo Police Department which undoubtedly saved lives.