Is Westfield High School safe now? Inside details of shooting threat

A major law enforcement operation unfolded at Westfield High School on Monday afternoon after authorities responded to a reported shooting threat.

The lockdown at the school was lifted around 3:30 p.m. on September 29, allowing parents to enter the campus and retrieve their children’s belongings.

One parent shared a photo with 13News showing students barricading classroom doors as police handled the situation. School officials confirmed that securing classrooms in this way is part of the standard protocol during potential active shooter incidents.

Police conducted a thorough search of the school, clearing rooms one by one. Authorities confirmed to 13News that no shots were fired and no injuries were reported.

Earlier, just before 3 p.m., a large number of parents had gathered outside the school, anxiously waiting for updates and for students to be released safely.

Parents received the following message from Westfield High School:

*”Dear Parents and Staff,

Westfield High School is on lockdown due to a potential threat. Out of an abundance of caution, there is a significant police presence on campus as law enforcement works to ensure the safety of all students and staff. All students are currently safe.

We request that you avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to respond efficiently.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.”*

Police asked residents to stay clear of the area while they established a perimeter and secured the building.

According to a social media update from the Westfield Police Department, the lockdown stemmed from an “unverified threat” sent to the school administration’s phone line, which mentioned a potential shooting at the high school.

The initial alert was sent to parents around 2:30 p.m. on September 29. Westfield Police later confirmed at 3:32 p.m. that the lockdown had been lifted after officers deemed the school safe.

In their posts, police stressed that no injuries occurred, no shots were fired, and officers remained on site to ensure the continued safety of students and staff.

It wrote:

We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

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Police Activity at Westfield High School

This afternoon, the school administration line received an unverified threat of someone threatening to shoot people at the high school.

Out of an abundance of caution, the school was placed on lockdown while Westfield Police officers began searching and clearing the building.

At this time, there have been no reports of shots fired.

There have been no injuries reported of any kind.

We understand this is concerning to students, parents, and staff. Please know that our officers are on scene and actively working to ensure the safety of everyone in the building.

FAQ – Westfield High School Lockdown

Q1: Why was Westfield High School put on lockdown?
The school went into lockdown after receiving an unverified threat suggesting a potential shooting at the campus.

Q2: Were any students or staff injured?
No. Police confirmed that no shots were fired and no injuries occurred during the incident.

Q3: When was the lockdown lifted?
The lockdown was lifted around 3:30 p.m. on September 29 after police cleared the building and deemed it safe.

Q4: How did students respond during the lockdown?
Students followed standard safety procedures, including barricading classroom doors while officers secured the school.

Q5: Were parents allowed to enter the school?
Yes. After the lockdown was lifted, parents were permitted to enter the campus to gather their children’s belongings.

Q6: What message did the school send to parents?
The school notified parents about the lockdown, emphasized student safety, and requested that the public avoid the area to allow emergency responders to work efficiently.

Q7: What caused the police response?
Westfield Police said the lockdown was prompted by a threat received via the school administration phone line, described as “unverified” at the time.

Q8: What measures did police take?
Authorities established a perimeter, conducted a room-by-room search, and maintained a heavy presence to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.

Q9: Where is Westfield High School located?
The high school is at 18250 North Union Street, Westfield.

Q10: Is the school safe now?
Yes. Police confirmed the building was cleared, and there were no ongoing threats after the lockdown was lifted.