Student Gunman Releases Hostages, Shoots Self

Twenty-three students and a teacher held hostage in a Wisconsin high school for more than 5 hours have all made it out safely. The 15-year-old gunman who burst into a classroom at the end of the day shot himself after police stormed the classroom, authorities say. Five of the 23 students who had been taken hostage had been released about 20 minutes before police entered the classroom because they told the gunman they had to use the bathroom. The other 18 students and the teacher were released unharmed once officers were inside.

Police outside the classroom busted through the door after hearing gunshots. The student was taken to an area hospital and there is no immediate word on his condition. Police said earlier that investigators had been interviewing his parents, but did not know of a motive. Police say the gunman had refused to communicate with officials during the standoff, but had allowed the teacher, who acted as a mediator, to speak with authorities by phone. (More hostages stories.)