Woonsocket Schools Lock Down Twice In One Day

WOONSOCKET, RI —Two different Woonsocket schools were placed in lockdown Friday following reports that students were carrying weapons in school.

Superintendent Patrick McGee said in a letter to the school community that the first incident occurred at the Villa Nova Middle School when the administration received a report that a student brought a gun to school. McGee said the school was immediately placed in lockdown.

Woonsocket police located the student and a search was conducted that discovered a knife, but not a gun. The student was arrested and the lockdown was soon lifted.

Early in the afternoon, McGee said there was a report that a student may have a gun at Woonsocket High School. The campus was locked down and all classrooms were searched, with no weapon found.

"Unfortunately, this is the second letter that I have had to send to the (Woonsocket Education Department) community this week regarding district threats and student behaviors," McGee said. "Whether this is related to the TikTok threat or not, this type of behavior is unacceptable.

"The WED and Woonsocket Police Department work very hard to ensure the safety of all of our students and staff and parents should not have to feel nervous about sending their children to our schools."

McGee said virtual meetings on school safety will be held with students, teachers and staff next week and that public input was appreciated as well.

"I want to hear from the WED community so that together we can address these issues," McGee said. "Your participation would be greatly appreciated. I will be sending out invitations to these virtual meets soon."