Pittsburgh Schools Remain Watchful After Modified Lockdown

PITTSBURGH, PA — Four Pittsburgh Public School buildings went into lockdown Wednesday while police searched for a shooting suspect, according to multiple media reports.

All schools were already on a modified lockdown after the horrific school shooting in Uvalde, Texas where a gunman killed 19 elementary school students and two teachers.

The modified lockdown meant that "only persons with a prescheduled appointment will be permitted to enter any facility," according to the district.

Pittsburgh Public Schools said Pittsburgh Crescent, Faison, Student Achievement Center and Westinghouse Academy went into an additional lockdown Wednesday afternoon, WTAE and WPXI reported. Police detected a ShotSpotter alert in the 1000 block of Brushton Avenue, the reports said.

Officers did not find any gunshot victims or property damage according to local media.

The district released a statement Tuesday on social media, following the Texas shooting.

"We are heartbroken by the horrific tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. At no time should the tranquility of school become the nightmare it has today. We grieve with the family members of the victims, and our thoughts are with the leadership, staff, children, families, and the entire Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District as they face the days ahead following such a tragedy."

The district said additional resources and support are available for any student or staff member.

Additionally, Pittsburgh Banksville is on remote learning "for COVID-19 mitigation" Thursday, and students and staff will be permitted to re-enter the building Friday. All special events and activities are cancelled for Wednesday and Thursday.