Montgomery Blair High School Principal Damon Monteleone shared details with the school community Thursday afternoon following a lockdown that briefly impacted the school.
According to Monteleone, the school entered an emergency lockdown at approximately 1:28pm after a security team member believed a student may have brandished what appeared to be a firearm outside the building. The lockdown was lifted at 1:54pm, when the school transitioned to a “secure” status, and normal activity resumed at 2:06pm.
The incident began during the final period of the school day, when a group of students who were loitering in the cafeteria were approached by a security team member and directed to return to class. The students exited the building and moved toward the parking lot and University Boulevard bus stop. While pursuing the students outside, the security team member believed one student displayed what looked like a firearm, prompting emergency protocols to be enacted.
Montgomery County Police responded quickly to the scene. A student was detained, and police located a replica handgun, described as a BB gun or firearm facsimile, off campus near the bus stop. Police determined the building was secure and confirmed it was safe for the school to exit lockdown status.
Monteleone said the school communicated with families throughout the incident, sending an initial message at 1:40pm followed by updates at 1:55pm and 2:06pm. School administrators remained in direct contact with MCPS leadership during the response.
In his message, Monteleone thanked the school’s security team for their alertness, Montgomery County Police for their rapid response, and students and staff for following procedures during the lockdown. He also reminded the community of the importance of reporting concerns and noted that school counselors will be available to support students who may need assistance.
