Active Shooting Reported at Portola High School in Irvine
IRVINE, Calif. — A terrifying scene unfolded Wednesday morning at Portola High School in Irvine as police responded to reports of an active shooter on campus. The incident sent shockwaves throughout the city, leaving parents, students, and staff shaken as law enforcement raced to secure the area.
According to preliminary reports, officers with the Irvine Police Department and supporting agencies were dispatched shortly after 9 a.m., when multiple 911 calls flooded in reporting shots fired inside the school building. Within minutes, the campus was placed on lockdown, with students and staff sheltering in classrooms as officers conducted a room-to-room search.
Authorities confirmed that there were multiple victims, though the extent of their injuries has not yet been officially released. Emergency medical personnel established a triage area nearby, and several individuals were transported to local hospitals. The names of those injured have not been disclosed at this time, as families are being notified.
Parents rushed to the school after receiving alarming messages from their children, many of whom were texting or calling while sheltering in place. One student described the scene in a whisper during a phone call: “We’re all hiding under desks. It’s so quiet, but we can hear the helicopters outside.”
Law enforcement established a perimeter around the campus, while heavily armed SWAT teams methodically cleared classrooms and hallways. By early afternoon, officials announced that a suspect believed to be responsible for the shooting had been taken into custody without further incident. Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity, age, or potential motive, but confirmed that the individual is no longer a threat to the community.
In a press briefing, Irvine Police Chief Michael Kent commended the rapid response of first responders and the cooperation of students and staff. “This is a parent’s worst nightmare, and our hearts are with the victims and their families,” he said. “We are grateful that our officers were able to apprehend the suspect quickly and prevent further tragedy.”
The Irvine Unified School District has announced that Portola High School will remain closed until further notice as investigators continue to process the scene. Counselors and grief support teams will be made available to students, staff, and families affected by the traumatic events.
Community leaders, including Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan, have called for unity and healing in the wake of the tragedy. Vigils and community gatherings are already being planned to honor the victims and support those left shaken by the violence.
The shooting at Portola High School has reignited urgent conversations about school safety and gun violence across California and the nation. For parents, educators, and students, the day’s events were a sobering reminder of the fragility of safety in what should be one of the most secure places in a young person’s life — their school.
As the investigation unfolds, many are left grappling with grief, fear, and disbelief. For the city of Irvine, a place long regarded as one of the safest communities in America, the events of today mark a painful chapter in its history — one that will not be forgotten.
