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Student shot at Center High School graduation

Posted at 8:57 PM, May 17, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-18 10:13:42-04

KANSAS CITY, Mo — Leawood police are investigating a shooting outside the Church of the Resurrection. 

One teenage boy was injured and taken to a nearby hospital, according to Leawood Police. 

Police later discovered another person was hurt when they arrived with a gunshot wound at a Kansas City area hospital.

Both victims have been released from the hospital.

Center High School was holding their graduation at the church. The victim was a graduate. 

About 150 students attended the ceremony. Six off-duty officers were at the church to provide security.

At around 8:30 p.m., officers learned of a fight outside the church involving about eight people. When officers made it to the area, the fight had dispersed but officers heard a volley of shots to the east side of the building. 

They found the victim laying on the sidewalk on 137th Street. Officials believe he was an innocent bystander and not involved in the fight outside the church. He is stable, according to the school district. 

"This is wonderful evening, a cause for celebration for these young people, you know, passing the milestone of high school that's been interrupted by violence, we want to get to the bottom of it," explained Capt. Brad Robbins from the Leawood Police Department. 

No arrests have been made. Police are working with witnesses and watching social media to find clues. 

"We're sad, we're so disappointed in a couple of really bad choices from some people that we're investigating right now, but for the most part I want to convey that we are worried and we're trying to take care of our kids and our parents right now," said Kelly Wachel, the director of public relations for the Center School District.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or may have any information about the shooting is encouraged to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477.