Arlington County police are investigating after ammunition turned up at two Arlington Public Schools in the same week, triggering building sweeps and a flurry of messages to families. School leaders say the items were quickly turned over to law enforcement and that there is no identified threat to students or staff.
Two Discoveries, One Uneasy Week
On Thursday a student at Washington-Liberty High School was found with ammunition and a firearm magazine, prompting staff to call Arlington County police. In a message to families, W-L principal Alexander Duncan III stressed that “all students and staff are safe” and said the school is following district procedures, as reported by ARLnow.
Abingdon Elementary: Single Bullet, Big Concern
Earlier in the week, a teacher at Abingdon Elementary discovered a single bullet in a fifth grade hallway and immediately turned it over to the Arlington County Police Department. The school’s Safety, Security and Emergency Management team carried out precautionary sweeps and, “following their review and coordination with ACPD, there is no known threat to school safety at this time,” Principal Dr. Ed Acevedo told families, as reported by ARLnow.
Policy, Discipline and the Law
Arlington Public Schools classifies weapons and ammunition on campus as serious violations and responds with searches, support services and disciplinary measures laid out in the APS Student Rights & Responsibilities handbook. Under Virginia law, having a firearm or certain other weapons on school property can bring misdemeanor or felony charges. The specific prohibitions and penalties are set in Virginia Code § 18.2-308.1. APS officials are urging families to report any concerning items or behaviors through district channels and note that counseling supports are available.
Community Context and What Comes Next
Although incidents like these often end without physical harm, Arlington has grappled with similar worries before. In December 2024, the county announced that a student was charged after a firearm was recovered at an Arlington high school, according to the Arlington County news release. Parents can expect further updates from school administrators and ACPD as the current investigations move forward, and are being reminded that any student found with weapons or ammunition on campus may face school discipline and possible referral to law enforcement.
