MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis-Shelby County Schools have confirmed that two students were killed in a shooting in South Memphis on Thursday.

Friday afternoon, Memphis-Shelby County Schools confirmed that the victims were students at Booker T. Washington High. MSCS said that it is working closely with law enforcement and that grief counselors will be available.

“We extend our deepest condolences to their families, loved ones, and the entire BTW community,” MSCS said in a statement. “Violence has no place in our communities or our hearts. We must stand together to protect our children and create a future where they feel safe, valued, and supported.” 

Several shootings throughout the Bluff City have some communities on edge and searching for solutions.

One day after two people lost their lives to gun violence, the South Memphis community continues to mourn.

Friday morning, there is a heavy presence of Memphis police and school resource officers outside Booker T. Washington as students make their way into the building. This all came after two people were killed just steps away from the school on Thursday.

One student says he was friends with the victims.

“Everybody misses them now that they’re gone,” said Mario Robinson, a student.

Robinson is an 8th grader at Booker T. Washington. He says he lived in a nearby complex and considered the victims to be family.

He says he fears, “knowing that we won’t live that long because of things like this.”

Memphis Police say they rushed to a scene near Mississippi Boulevard and South Lauderdale after receiving a call about shots fired.

They found two teenagers dead. Witnesses say they saw the killings in broad daylight — three men, with faces covered, carrying automatic weapons.

It’s been a bloody week, and people are searching for answers.

“Ain’t nothing open now. They closed everything. They need to have somewhere for children to go to enjoy themselves as children,” said Leonard Hull, a community member.

Robinson says he doesn’t feel safe, and he’s calling for city leaders to make a change.

“Guns, beefing, gangs, all for nothing,” Robinson said. “I want to see kids playing around instead of these guns being toted. It’s bad for kids to be killed at a young age.”