Natomas High Shooting Leaves Former Student Dead

Father and daughter recount the terrifying moments of the campus attack

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:36am

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A Natomas High School student and her father are recounting the frightening moments when a former student was shot and killed on campus during a school rally on Friday afternoon. Seventeen-year-old Katelyn Allen described the sudden shift from confusion to panic as she heard the gunshots and saw people running and screaming. Her father, Tim Allen, said he went into 'auto mode' after receiving a call from his daughter and is now dealing with feelings of depression and anxiety over how close she was to the danger.

Why it matters

The shooting at Natomas High School has shaken the local community and raised concerns about school safety and the need to address mental health issues that may contribute to such incidents of violence. The family's account provides a firsthand perspective on the trauma and lasting impact these events can have on students and their loved ones.

The details

According to the family, the shooting occurred around 3:30 pm on Friday after a school rally. Katelyn Allen said she was just a few feet away when she heard the first gunshot, followed by a rapid succession of three more. She described the chaos that ensued, with people running and screaming. Tim Allen said he received a call from his daughter and immediately went into 'auto mode', relieved that she was able to get off campus safely. However, the family is now grappling with the emotional aftermath, with Tim dealing with depression and anxiety, and Katelyn questioning whether additional safety measures could have made a difference.

  • The shooting occurred around 3:30 pm on Friday, April 12, 2026, after a school rally at Natomas High School.
  • On Wednesday, the school had sent an email to families warning about an online threat, which the family initially believed could be connected to the Friday shooting, but police later clarified was not related.

The players

Katelyn Allen

A 17-year-old student at Natomas High School who was present during the shooting and witnessed the events unfold.

Tim Allen

The father of Katelyn Allen, who received a call from his daughter during the shooting and is now dealing with the emotional aftermath, including feelings of depression and anxiety.

Sacramento Police

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the shooting and described the incident as targeted and isolated.

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What they’re saying

“'You hear like the first gunshot and then people were like, ' What happened and then very quickly you hear like the 123.'”

— Katelyn Allen, Student at Natomas High School

“'I got that phone call and, kind of just went into auto mode and just like I said, we kind of had a plan for this in effect already if something were to happen for her to run for her life and get off campus.'”

— Tim Allen, Father of Katelyn Allen

“'I've been talking to like a lot of my friends. What if we were like a few seconds earlier leaving? what if he just decided to take out his anger on everybody?'”

— Katelyn Allen, Student at Natomas High School

“'I think we need to kind of shut down that narrative a bit and start exploring more about the mental health issues.'”

— Tim Allen, Father of Katelyn Allen

What’s next

The family is expected to continue working with local authorities and school officials to understand the circumstances surrounding the shooting and explore ways to improve campus safety and address underlying mental health concerns.

The takeaway

The tragic shooting at Natomas High School has once again highlighted the urgent need to address the complex issues of school violence, mental health, and campus safety. As the community grapples with the aftermath, the personal accounts of those directly affected serve as a poignant reminder of the lasting trauma and the importance of comprehensive solutions that go beyond just gun control.