Oldham County teacher charged for allegedly telling students he could be a school shooter

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- An Oldham County teacher is facing charges for allegedly making threatening comments in the classroom.

Students at Oldham County High School told the resource officer that a teacher said he was going to shoot up the school.

"It does make me a little nervous," Eva, a student, said.

With just days left in the school year, chemistry teacher Michel Tripp won't be allowed on campus for the rest of the year, according to the district.

According to court documents, a student notified staff that Tripp told a group of students he only had a few days left to shoot up the school..

"You should be able to trust your teachers and for them to being doing that and they're supposed to set the standard," parent Kristen Campbell said. "I mean it's bad enough for students, but I feel like it even is a whole other level, when a teacher is saying that they're going to do that."

During a recorded interview with police, Tripp admitting to saying, "he would become the next school shooter," court documents claim.

He's now charged with terroristic threatening.

WDRB spoke to students who are graduating this weekend. They said it's a little unsettling that a teacher is accused of saying something like this.

"But the teachers handled it well, so I'm not really scared or anything," Olivia, a student, said.

The district sent a letter home to parents saying it's thankful students came forward with their concern. This isn't the first time a letter like this has gone home to parents this school year.

Earlier this year, a student was accused of putting staples in a teacher's drink and other students were charged after taking part in a dangerous TikTok trend.

Because of that, the girls said they're not too surprised something else happened.

"I am moderately surprised," Eva said. "We've had a lot going on this year and a lot of changes, so it's kinda normal, kinda expected. I mean obviously not the exact situation, but it's kind of weird, sucky that it's on our graduation week and stuff like that."

Tripp is expected to be in court on May 29.

The full letter sent home to families from OCHS Principal Dr. Natalie Brown can be read below:

Dear Colonel Family,

"Safety is our top priority and we believe transparent communication is vital. In order to provide accurate and timely information, we are notifying you about something that occurred in one of our classrooms today.

Late this afternoon, the OCHS administration was alerted to a concerning, threatening statement made by a teacher in front of students. Administrators immediately notified the SRO and remained in collaboration with OCPD throughout their investigation. This evening, Oldham County Police cited a teacher for terroristic threatening 2nd degree. The teacher will not be on campus for the remainder of the school year.

We’re thankful to our students for coming forward with their concern and appreciate your ongoing support and cooperation as we work together to ensure the well-being of our school community."

Respectfully,

Dr. Natalie Brown

OCHS Principal