High School Football Game in McKeesport Halted After Gunshot, Teen Apprehended

A high school football game in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, was halted on Friday night when a gunshot was heard just before 11 p.m. A 17-year-old suspect was quickly apprehended by Liberty Borough police. Authorities plan to file charges including receiving stolen property, possession of a firearm by a minor, possession of a weapon on school property, reckless endangerment, and carrying a firearm without a license. The suspect is a student at Brashear High School in Pittsburgh. No injuries were reported, but police recovered a loaded semi-automatic handgun from the suspect’s waistband. He was taken into custody and transported to a juvenile detention center. WTAE, an ABC affiliate, reported that a .45-caliber round was found in the ceiling area of the stadium entrance. Liberty Borough police chief Ralph Marsico stated, "This was an extremely serious incident. A firearm was discharged during a heavily attended school sporting event where numerous students, children, parents, school personnel, and members of our community were present. The potential for a far more tragic outcome cannot be overstated." The gunshot caused chaos in the stadium as attendees began fleeing and seeking cover. Jess Levo-Sten, a camera operator for TribLive’s High School Sports Network livestream, described the moment, saying, "There was a loud shot, and I knew immediately what it was. Everybody paused and looked at each other, and then everybody started running." South Allegheny superintendent Dr. David McDonald expressed gratitude for the prompt response of the South Allegheny School Police and local law enforcement, emphasizing that the safety of students, families, and staff is a top priority.