Tulsa, OK — Chaos Erupts Outside Elementary School in Ambush-Style Attack on Police and Emergency Responders
Tulsa, OK (June 2, 2025) — A chaotic and deeply disturbing situation unfolded this afternoon in a residential area of Tulsa when a suspect launched what authorities are calling an ambush-style attack on law enforcement and emergency personnel. The incident, which occurred around 3:00 p.m. near the intersection of 56th Street and South Harvard Avenue, unfolded directly in front of Eisenhower International School—an elementary campus that had just dismissed students for the day.
Scene of Terror Outside Elementary School
According to Tulsa Police Department officials, the incident began when emergency dispatchers received a series of confusing 911 calls that appeared to be deliberately misleading, possibly intended to lure first responders to the scene. When Tulsa police officers and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel arrived, they were immediately met with gunfire from a hidden assailant.
Multiple gunshots rang out in rapid succession, sending nearby parents, children, and school staff scrambling for cover. Witnesses described a terrifying scene as officers shouted for people to get down and took cover behind vehicles and trees. Some children who were still lingering on the school grounds with guardians were quickly ushered back inside the building, which was placed on immediate lockdown.
“It sounded like fireworks at first, but then we saw officers running and yelling, and we realized it was gunfire. It was surreal—like something out of a movie,” said Michelle Howard, a parent who had just picked up her daughter when the shooting began.
Police Return Fire, Establish Perimeter
Authorities say officers were able to take cover and return fire in an attempt to neutralize the shooter. The suspect reportedly continued to fire from a concealed position, possibly behind a residential fence or from an elevated location. The exact number of rounds exchanged has not been confirmed, but police say dozens of shell casings were recovered from the scene.
Law enforcement quickly established a perimeter and called for tactical reinforcements. Heavily armed SWAT teams, crisis negotiators, and additional officers responded. The scene became an active standoff, with helicopters circling overhead and armored vehicles arriving to support law enforcement on the ground.
“It was clear this individual was waiting to target first responders. This was a deliberate, calculated act designed to inflict harm on those who serve and protect,” said Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin during a press briefing later in the evening.
Suspect Neutralized
After a tense and volatile standoff that lasted nearly an hour, police confirmed that the suspect was shot and taken into custody. He was transported to a local hospital with what authorities described as “serious but non-life-threatening injuries.” No officers or EMS personnel were killed during the exchange, although one officer was reportedly grazed by a bullet and treated at the scene.
Tulsa police have not yet released the identity of the suspect but described him as a male in his 30s with a prior criminal record. Investigators are working to determine whether the attack was premeditated and whether the suspect had ties to any extremist groups or motivations.
School Lockdown Lifted, No Students Injured
Eisenhower Elementary was placed under full lockdown for nearly two hours while police secured the scene. Tulsa Public Schools officials later confirmed that all students and staff were accounted for and unharmed. Parents were directed to a nearby church for reunification as officers continued to investigate.
“We are incredibly grateful to the quick-thinking teachers and staff at Eisenhower who followed safety protocols to the letter,” said Tulsa Superintendent Dr. Ebony Johnson. “Our first priority is always the safety of our children, and today that was put to the ultimate test.”
Investigation Underway
Police and federal agencies, including the FBI and ATF, are now assisting in the investigation. Authorities are combing through surveillance footage, canvassing the neighborhood, and examining the suspect’s background to determine a motive.
“This ambush-style attack underscores the growing risks faced by public safety personnel,” said Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum in a statement. “We will not tolerate violence against those who dedicate their lives to protecting ours. The city of Tulsa stands firmly behind our police officers, our EMS teams, and our community.”
Community Shaken but Resilient
As news of the attack spread, shock rippled through the Tulsa community. The proximity of the incident to a school added another layer of trauma for residents, many of whom are still grappling with the increasing frequency of public violence nationwide.
Local leaders are urging the public to remain calm and vigilant. A community vigil is already being planned for tomorrow evening at the school grounds, where residents will gather to show support for law enforcement and express gratitude that the incident didn’t result in greater loss of life.
Tulsa Police say more updates, including the identity of the suspect and potential charges, will be released once the initial investigation concludes.
If you have any information related to this incident, contact the Tulsa Police Department at (918) 596-9222 or Crime Stoppers at (918) 596-COPS.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.