Lockdowns Lifted At Alexandria High Schools, Middle School; Some Events Canceled

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria City High School's King Street and Minnie Howard campuses and Hammond Middle School were on lockdown Thursday due to a police investigation. The schools have returned to normal operating schedules, but some high school events have been canceled or postponed.

According to the school district, Alexandria police were looking into an anonymous threat. Police conducted a threat assessment and found no immediate threat at the high schools. Both high school campuses switched to asynchronous learning Thursday for safety and security reasons.

At Hammond Middle School, Alexandria police responded to a call about a reported shooting around 9:30 a.m. Police searched the building and determined the threat was not credible. A student was taken to the hospital after suffering a medical emergency during the police search.

Some changes to events were made in consultation with ACHS Principal Peter Balas. The Annual College Fair for students only will continue at the King Street Campus. Athletics events away from the high school will take place as scheduled, but athletics and club sports practices are canceled. The GridIron Girls Game has been postponed and will be rescheduled. The homecoming bonfire was also canceled.

A statement on the ACHS website thanked Alexandria police for their assistance and the students and staff for their patience.

"In the event that your student is feeling anxious about returning to school, please remind them that the school counselors, psychologists and social workers are present to support them in any way that they need support," reads an update from the high school's website.

Last Wednesday, the King Street campus went on lockdown for a report of a student with a gun outside the school. Alexandria police investigators arrested the student, who was detained outside the school entrance.

Early Wednesday, Alexandria City Council voted to temporarily bring back school resource officers as an alternative safety proposal for schools is evaluated.

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