'It's OK Not To Be OK': NC Community Reeling From School Shooting

WINSTON-SALEM, NC — One day after a fatal school shooting took the life of a Winston-Salem high school student, Gov. Roy Cooper joined members of Forsyth County law enforcement to make a call for greater investment in preventative measures aimed at children.

"We've got to make more investments in our school mental health," Cooper said, adding that investments were also needed in early childhood education, wrap-around services and positive activities to engage children.

Cooper's comments come a day after a male student was shot at Mount Tabor High School in Winston-Salem, prompting an hourslong search for the suspect who opened fire.

The victim, who was identified as William Chavis Raynard Miller Jr., was taken to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead, Winston-Salem Police Chief Catrina Thompson said Wednesday.

Witnesses identified the shooting suspect to police and was believed to be a student at the school, Thompson said, prior to the suspect's apprehension.

No other injuries were reported during the shooting, although one student in the school had a seizure during the lockdown, Thompson said.

By Wednesday evening, the suspect was located and taken into custody without incident, according to authorities.

The governor praised the local response to the shooting, saying that school administrators and local authorities had a plan in place. "To be prepared in the event this incident occurs is critical," Cooper said.

"We have to guarantee that our schools are safe, for parents, educators and our children," Cooper said.

Wednesday's shooting was the second school shooting reported in the state in a week.

Thursday, classrooms at the high school remained empty as school officials closed the school to give teachers and students time to rebound.

"They're dealing with trauma," Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Superintendent Tricia McManus said. The school district is focused on dealing with the tragedy and will provide emotional and mental health support for students, she said.

Miller's death has dealt the school community a blow.

"He was a great kid and very much loved by his parents and his teachers," McManus said.

RELATED: 1 Dead In NC School Shooting, Suspect Identified As Student

"What you experienced yesterday at Mt. Tabor no one should have to experience ever in their lives," Thompson said in a direct message for students at the school. "It is OK not to be OK today," she said. "We are here to help support you as you get through this."

"Parents, pay attention to your children. You know them better than anyone else. If they are struggling, help them. If you don't know how to help them, call me," she said.

Authorities remain tight-lipped about the case and Thursday would not release the name of the suspect taken into custody, whether he was a juvenile or the possible motive, citing the ongoing investigation.

Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O'Neill would not confirm whether charges had been filed against the suspect. "We cannot comment on the facts of this case," he said during the news conference.

He did say what he thought would help prevent such incidents.

"We need more activities for kids after school" such as Boys & Girls Clubs, O'Neill said. "Gangs can easily persuade a child to come follow their lead," he said.

"If a child enters a gang at sixth and seventh grade, we've lost them folks."