What happened at Thomas S. Wootton High School? Student shot as police lock down Maryland campus
Who is Thomas Jacob Sanford? What to know about Michigan church shooting suspect. Photo credit: Getty Images
A Maryland high school in the Washington, DC suburbs was placed on lockdown Monday afternoon after a student was shot inside the campus, prompting a large police response and the closure of surrounding roads.
The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) confirmed that officers were dispatched to Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville shortly after 2:15 p.m. following reports of gunfire inside the school. Rockville is located approximately 20 miles north of Washington, DC.
Authorities said one student was struck by gunfire and was transported for medical treatment. Police later confirmed that the injured student is in stable condition. No additional injuries have been reported.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that one suspect, also a student at the school, was taken into custody near the campus and has been arrested. Police emphasized that the individual acted alone and that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
As part of the response, all roads leading to the school were shut down while officers secured the scene and conducted a thorough search of the building. Agents from ATF Baltimore were also deployed to assist local authorities with the investigation.
The lockdown remained in effect as police worked to ensure the safety of students and staff. School officials and law enforcement later confirmed that the student reunification site had been established at Robert Frost Middle School, where parents and guardians were directed to meet their children once the situation was stabilized.
In an initial update issued around 2:40 p.m. ET, MCPD confirmed the shooting but released limited information. A follow-up statement at 3:23 p.m. ET confirmed that a person had been taken into custody in connection with the incident.
Officials have not yet released details regarding what led to the shooting or whether a firearm was recovered. The investigation remains active, and authorities say more information will be shared once it becomes available.
The incident has reignited concerns around school safety and gun violence, particularly in suburban school districts not typically associated with such events. Counselors and additional support services are expected to be made available to students and staff in the aftermath of the shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened at Thomas S. Wootton High School?
Police say one student was shot inside the school on Monday afternoon, prompting an immediate lockdown and law enforcement response.
Where is Thomas S. Wootton High School located?
The school is in Rockville, Maryland, about 20 miles north of Washington, DC.
What condition is the injured student in?
Authorities have confirmed the student is in stable condition.
Has a suspect been arrested?
Yes. Police say one suspect, also a student, was taken into custody near the school.
Is there an ongoing threat to the public?
No. MCPD has stated there is no further threat to public safety.
Why were roads closed near the school?
Roads were shut down to allow police to secure the scene and conduct their investigation safely.
Where are parents being reunited with students?
The reunification site has been set up at Robert Frost Middle School.
Are federal agents involved in the investigation?
Yes. ATF Baltimore agents are assisting local police.
Will more information be released?
Police say additional details will be shared as the investigation continues.