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The Tennessee teen who was fatally shot by police after he opened fire inside a high school bathroom was identified — as authorities revealed that a shot that wounded an officer in the struggle didn’t come from the student’s gun.

Anthony J. Thompson Jr., 17, became involved in the police confrontation Monday after he refused orders leave the bathroom at Austin-East Magnet High School in Knoxville, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said.

Police on Wednesday said Thompson’s gun fired once but the round didn’t strike an officer — contradicting earlier law enforcement reports that he shot at and hit police.

“Preliminary examinations indicate the bullet that struck the [Knoxville Police Department] officer was not fired from the student’s handgun,” the TBI said.


  Anthony J. Thompson Jr., 17, became involved in the police confrontation Monday after he refused orders leave the bathroom at Austin-East Magnet High School in Knoxville. Screengrab WLTV Anthony J. Thompson Jr., 17, became involved in the police confrontation Monday after he refused orders leave the bathroom at Austin-East Magnet High School in Knoxville. Screengrab WLTV

Police fired twice, and Thompson was killed, authorities said.

A school resource officer identified as Adam Wilson was struck in the upper leg.

The TBI declined to comment about whether Wilson was struck by an officer’s bullet.

In its statement Wednesday, the TBI said authorities “discover facts that may clarify initial reports.”


  Evans Kariuki of Eternal Life Harvest Center-Firebrand Nation (center) leads a group in prayer in front of Austin-East Magnet High School. AP Evans Kariuki of Eternal Life Harvest Center-Firebrand Nation (center) leads a group in prayer in front of Austin-East Magnet High School. AP

“This is why our agency uses terms in our releases such as ‘preliminary,’ ‘possibly,’ and ‘reportedly,’” the TBI’s statement said. “This update provides clarification to the initial information released on this case.”


  A group gathers for a vigil in front of Austin-East Magnet High School in Knoxville, Tenn. AP A group gathers for a vigil in front of Austin-East Magnet High School in Knoxville, Tenn. AP
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