Dominic Glass was fatally shot by a police officer in Knoxville, Tennessee, during an encounter at Austin-East Magnet High School on April 12, 2021.
On that day, officers from the Knoxville Police Department responded to a report of a possibly armed individual at the school. Upon arrival, they located Dominic Glass, a 17-year-old student, in a restroom. According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), officers ordered Glass to come out, but he refused and reportedly fired shots with a gun he had brought to school. The police then entered the restroom, and during the ensuing struggle, Glass’s gun was fired again. In response, one of the officers fired his weapon, striking Glass. Despite immediate medical attention, Dominic Glass was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident sparked a significant public outcry and debates over police presence in schools, the use of force, and the broader issue of gun violence in educational settings. The officer who shot Glass was identified as Jonathon Clabough, who later stated that he believed Glass’s gun had been fired in his direction and that he feared for his life and the lives of the other officers. The TBI conducted an investigation into the shooting, and the Knox County District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case. Ultimately, the DA announced that the officer would not face charges as the shooting was considered a justifiable use of force under Tennessee law.
The death of Dominic Glass had a profound impact on the local community, prompting calls for change in how schools are policed and how incidents involving students are handled. It also contributed to the ongoing national conversation about police reform and the safety of young people in educational environments.