Salina South High School Lockdown Lifted After Weapon Report Deemed Unfounded
SALINA, Kan. — A tense morning at Salina South High School came to a peaceful resolution Monday after a reported weapon in the building prompted an immediate lockdown and police response. Officials have confirmed that no weapon was found, no shots were fired, and everyone on campus is safe.
The situation unfolded early Monday when the Salina School District sent an urgent notification to parents stating that a report of a weapon had been received. The message assured families that students and staff were locked inside their classrooms while Salina police officers swiftly responded to the scene to assess the threat.
“This morning we had a report of a weapon in the building at South High School. Police were alerted and are on site at this time and are in charge of the situation. Students and staff remain locked in classrooms,” the initial communication read.
The Saline County Emergency Management Agency also issued a public statement reminding community members not to flood 911 dispatch lines with non-emergency calls. Officials emphasized that dispatchers needed to focus on coordinating the police response rather than answering inquiries, as a flood of phone calls was overwhelming emergency services.
Following an extensive sweep and investigation of the premises, authorities determined there was no weapon present and no shots had been fired. Shortly after 10 a.m., Salina Public Schools issued a second, more reassuring notification:
“Police have determined that South School is secure, there was no gun and no shots were fired,” the district confirmed. “The building has been released back to school administration.”
In their message to families, school officials expressed deep appreciation for the swift action of the Salina Police Department and all first responders who prioritized the safety of the students and staff.
“We appreciate the quick response from the Salina Police Department and first responders. They have determined that there was no danger. Administration will determine any adjustments to the schedule that are needed. The school day will resume as usual,” the notification said.
Despite the disruption and anxiety caused by the lockdown, the district has reiterated that student safety remains their top priority, and they praised students and staff for following lockdown procedures calmly and efficiently.
This incident highlights the delicate balance that schools must maintain between vigilance and creating a supportive, non-fearful environment for students. Administrators have indicated that they will be reviewing the situation closely to ensure all appropriate measures were taken and to continue refining emergency response protocols.
Parents are encouraged to speak with their children about the experience and to seek support services if students feel distressed by the morning’s events. School counselors and mental health professionals are available on campus for any students who may need someone to talk to.
The incident at Salina South High School serves as a reminder of the importance of swift, coordinated action in response to potential threats, even when those threats turn out to be false alarms. In this case, the quick response ensured that all students and staff remained safe, and the school community can now begin returning to a sense of normalcy.
Officials have not released details about the origin of the report, and it is unclear if there will be any disciplinary or legal action resulting from the situation. The district and law enforcement have promised transparency as more information becomes available.