Salina, KS — Salina South High School was placed on lockdown Friday morning following a report of a gun in or near the school. Authorities quickly responded to the scene, and after a thorough investigation, police confirmed that there was no shooting at the school.
The lockdown was initiated shortly after the report came in, sending a wave of concern through the school community. School officials acted swiftly, following established safety protocols to secure students and staff in their classrooms while law enforcement assessed the situation.
According to the Salina Police Department, officers arrived on the campus within minutes. Their priority was to ensure the safety of everyone in the building. Officers conducted a careful sweep of the school grounds and surrounding area. While they confirmed a report involving a possible weapon, they emphasized that at no point was there an active shooter, nor were any shots fired.
“We take all reports of potential threats very seriously,” said a spokesperson for the Salina Police Department. “Our first goal was to make sure that students and staff were safe. After an extensive search and investigation, we can confirm that no shooting took place.”
School administrators kept in close contact with law enforcement throughout the event and provided updates to families as soon as they were able. Parents were notified via email and text alerts that the school was on lockdown as a precautionary measure and that authorities were investigating. Many parents rushed to the school, anxious for news about their children, but officials asked them to remain at designated safe areas until the situation was resolved.
After an hour of thorough investigation and searches, the lockdown was lifted, and the school returned to normal operations. Students and staff were reported safe, and no injuries occurred during the incident. Counseling resources have been made available to any students or staff members feeling anxious or distressed in the aftermath of the event.
“We are incredibly proud of our students, teachers, and staff for how they handled the situation,” said a statement from Salina South High School’s principal. “Their cooperation helped ensure everyone’s safety while authorities did their work. We are also grateful to Salina Police and emergency responders for their quick and professional response.”
Authorities are continuing to investigate the original report and determine whether any further action is needed. It has not yet been announced whether a suspect was identified or if any charges will be filed. Police assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the school or the surrounding community.
In the wake of the incident, school officials have pledged to review security procedures and continue working with law enforcement to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff. They emphasized the importance of taking all threats seriously and encouraged students and community members to report any suspicious behavior immediately.
Salina South High School plans to hold an informational meeting for parents next week to discuss safety protocols, answer questions, and provide reassurance to the community following this unsettling event.
