Wootton Student Charged With Attempted Murder In School Shooting

The 16-year-old suspect is facing multiple charges, including second-degree attempted murder, after a shooting at Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville, Maryland.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A 16-year-old student at Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville, Maryland has been charged as an adult with second-degree attempted murder and other charges related to a shooting incident at the school on Monday. The student, identified as Kahlil White-Villatoro, allegedly turned a gun on a classmate, leaving one student injured. Police recovered the firearm and White-Villatoro is currently being held at the Montgomery County Detention Center.

Why it matters

School shootings continue to be a major concern for communities across the United States, with the Wootton High School incident being the latest in a string of such events. This case raises questions about student mental health, access to firearms, and the challenges schools face in maintaining a safe environment for students and staff.

The details

According to police, officers responded to reports of shots fired at Wootton High School around 2:15 pm on Monday. One student was found in a hallway suffering from a single gunshot wound. Kahlil White-Villatoro, the 16-year-old suspect, was arrested near the school grounds. In addition to the second-degree attempted murder charge, White-Villatoro is facing two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, and various firearms-related charges.

  • The incident occurred around 2:15 pm on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • White-Villatoro was arrested near the school grounds on the same day.

The players

Kahlil White-Villatoro

A 16-year-old student at Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville, Maryland who has been charged as an adult with second-degree attempted murder and other charges related to the school shooting incident.

Thomas S. Wootton High School

A public high school located in Rockville, Maryland where the shooting incident took place.

Montgomery County Public Schools

The school district that oversees Thomas S. Wootton High School.

Thomas Taylor

The superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools, who commented on the incident during a news conference.

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What they’re saying

“Today is a heartbreaking and deeply unsettling day for our entire community. The kids and our staff are emotionally exhausted and understandably traumatized by today's events.”

— Thomas Taylor, Superintendent, Montgomery County Public Schools (Patch.com)

What’s next

The investigation into the shooting incident at Wootton High School remains ongoing. The suspect, Kahlil White-Villatoro, is being held at the Montgomery County Detention Center and will face a judge to determine whether he will be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic school shooting highlights the continued need for comprehensive solutions to address gun violence in schools, including improved mental health resources, stricter firearm regulations, and enhanced security measures to protect students and staff. The Wootton High School community is left grappling with the aftermath of this traumatic event.