In Prince George’s County, authorities placed Charles Herbert Flowers High School on lockdown Tuesday morning after a firearm was discovered on campus. According to police, the decision to secure the school was made out of an abundance of caution, and the lockdown was lifted by midday. Officers who responded to the scene took a student into custody, confirming that no injuries occurred and that there was no ongoing threat to students, staff, or the surrounding community.
Details about how the weapon was discovered or why it was brought to school have not yet been released by investigators. The incident prompted a number of parents to arrive early to pick up their children, with many expressing concern about safety on school grounds.
Principal Gorman Brown notified families through an official letter explaining that a student had attempted to bypass security while carrying a weapon, leading to the immediate lockdown. Authorities were summoned and conducted a search that resulted in the recovery of a loaded handgun. The lockdown began at 8:45 a.m. and was lifted less than an hour later, at 9:40 a.m. Brown emphasized that instruction continued inside classrooms throughout the incident and that student safety remains the school’s highest priority. He added that disciplinary action will follow in accordance with district policies.
The principal urged parents to speak with their children about school safety, the consequences of bringing weapons or imitation weapons to campus, and the importance of reporting anything suspicious to school staff or a trusted adult.
During dismissal, parents shared a mixture of relief and concern. One father, who asked to remain anonymous, said his children texted him during the lockdown to let him know they were safe, but the event reignited conversations at home about homeschooling. Another mother, also unnamed, said she planned to remind her son to stay alert and speak up if he ever sees something troubling.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the school’s weapon detection system played a role in finding the firearm. Prince George’s County Police are continuing their investigation and will determine whether the student or others involved will face criminal charges.
