On Friday, Hughes Middle School went into lockdown after students reported a possible intruder on campus, prompting swift action from authorities. After thoroughly searching the campus, officials confirmed that there was no cause for alarm, according to a statement from a school official.
Elvia Cano, a spokesperson for the Long Beach Unified School District, explained that the lockdown was a precautionary measure. Unfortunately, it also sparked unsubstantiated rumors that someone on campus had a firearm. In response to the lockdown at Hughes, nearby Longfellow Elementary School also enacted a precautionary lockdown.
In an email, the Long Beach Police Department confirmed that their investigation found no evidence of an individual with a gun on or near the school, and there was no active threat. Despite this, many concerned parents began arriving at the school, anxious for their children’s safety.
One parent, Shiquita Boyd, shared her experience in a Facebook post:
“Hughes Middle School was on lockdown due to reports of an attempted school shooting. I was on my way to my hair appointment when my hairdresser, who’s like a sister to me, called and said she had to leave to pick up her daughter because of the lockdown. I turned around so fast and headed to the school to support her and her child. What I saw was heartbreaking—so many terrified parents, fathers yelling at school staff who couldn’t let them get to their kids right away due to protocol. There was so much sadness and fear. This world is crazy. I have the baby now; we’re having lunch while mom helps out at the school. She was scared, but she’s safe.”
The situation, while distressing, concluded without any threat, but it left a lasting emotional impact on parents, students, and staff alike.
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