Marion, Ill., authorities respond to airsoft drive-by shooting at junior high

MARION, Ill. (KBSI) – “This stuff right here, this is, this is scary for us,” said concerned parent Christine Foster.

Wednesday morning around 10:45 a.m., 31 Marion Junior High school students were shot with airsoft pellets in what is described as a drive-by shooting down cherry street while students were on the field.

Foster’s daughter attends the school and was hit behind the ear.

“In the head. That means that like they were like aiming for these kids’ heads. I would imagine that she was running, towards the school, if she got hit in the back of the ear,” said Foster.

In a release from the Marion Community Unit School District # 2 to parents, the district says no major injuries occurred, parents were contacted, and all students involved were seen by the school nurse.

Law enforcement was contacted immediately, and the suspects were apprehended. But foster says it still wasn’t enough.

“I’m kind of upset, that it’s just regular operations. The kids are just out walking around and it’s like dude, this is my kid now. I never thought it would happen in Marion.”

And although the guns used airsoft pellets, and there were no serious injuries…the threat is still very real and terrifying.

“It feels like that’s just practice. This is so easy right here. So, I’m wondering what’s going to happen going forward, to make sure that our kids are going to be safe. To make sure my child is going to be safe, everyone’s child is going to be safe here,” said Foster.