On Wednesday at Seneca Valley High School, a reported sighting of what appeared to be a gun triggered an immediate response, according to a letter sent out to the school community. The incident began when a student observed another student with what was initially believed to be a firearm. In response, a Shelter-in-Place was initiated at 12:42 pm on Wednesday.
According to the letter to the community, a Community Engagement Officer on-site quickly intervened. The reported student was located and detained by 12:55 pm, and a modified weapon typically used in firearms training– designed to resemble a real handgun– was confiscated. Following the resolution of the incident, the school ended the Shelter-in-Place at 1:02 p.m. and resumed normal operations for the remainder of the day.
Police are investigating the matter as a criminal case. Additionally, the incident will be handled in accordance with the Montgomery County Public Schools Student Code of Conduct, as weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited on school grounds.
School officials acknowledged the student who reported the incident, emphasizing the importance of the “see something, say something” policy in maintaining safety within the school community. The letter to the community can be seen below:
Dear Seneca Valley High School Community,
I am writing to inform you of an incident that occurred today at Seneca Valley High School, involving a serious matter reported by one of our students.
Earlier today, a student reported seeing another student in school with what appeared to be a gun. We immediately initiated a Shelter-in-Place at 12:42 pm. Our Community
Engagement Officer (CEO) was on-site and responded swiftly. Thanks to their quick response, the student was located and detained at 12:55 pm, and upon investigation, a modified weapon typically used in firearms training-which resembled a real handgun-was found and confiscated. As the student was detained and the weapon confiscated, we were able to end the Shelter-in-Place at 1:02 pm and return to normal operations for the remainder of the school day.
The police are treating this as a criminal matter. Additionally, as per the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Student Code of Conduct, this incident will also be pursued as a disciplinary matter, as weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited on school grounds.
I want to commend the student who reported this incident and to say that the “see something, say something” concept is a powerful reminder of the role we all play in fostering a safe and supportive environment in our communities. By speaking up, we not only protect ourselves but also look out for our neighbors, friends, and loved ones. I encourage all students and parents to communicate openly about any concerns. Together, we can ensure our school remains a secure and supportive place for everyone.