A weapon was found on the Kentridge High School campus after a brief lockdown on Wednesday, June 12.
“While there was no direct threat, a weapon was found,” Principal Christa Enrst said in a June 12 email to the Kentridge community that was posted on a social media page by a district resident. “All students and staff remained safe throughout the incident.”
Ernst said that school safety protocols were followed and law enforcement and Kent School District School Safety Services responded to the school at 12430 SE 208th St.
Kent Police have not released any information about the incident and have not responded to a Thursday morning, June 13 email from the Kent Reporter for further details about the weapon found on campus.
“We know this type of event can be very uncomfortable and scary,” Ernst said. “Our counseling team is always available to support students, and we encourage you to connect with your child or children as they arrive home this afternoon (Wednesday, June 12).
“We thank local law enforcement and Kent School District Safety Services for acting swiftly and decisively to ensure student and staff safety.”
Kent Police supply a school resource officer to Kentridge as part of a contract with the district. That officer divides time between Kentridge and Meridian Middle School. Another officer staffs Kent-Meridian High School and Mill Creek Middle School. The cost of the program for the two officers is $363,200 for the 2023-2024 school year, according to city documents. The district pays 60% ($217,920) of the cost with the city covering the rest.
The district has 26 safety services staff members for schools across the district, according to its website.
The final day of school is Friday, June 14 at Kentridge and the rest of the district schools.
Recent fatal shootings
The Kentridge incident occurred after a fatal shooting June 3 of Cristopher Medina Zelaya, 18, a Kent-Meridian student. Christopher was fatally shot in the city of Kent’s Campus Park parking lot, which is next to the school campus. As of Thursday afternoon, June 13, Kent Police have not made any arrests and have released few details about the case.
Hazrat Ali Rohani, 17, also a Kent-Meridian student, was fatally shot June 5 outside a Big 5 Sporting Goods Store in Renton. A 51-year-old Newcastle man faces a second-degree murder charge in that case.
Seattle Police are trying to determine who fatally shot a 17-year-old Garfield High School student June 6 on campus.
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