A brief but unsettling lockdown rattled families in northeast Washington on Tuesday after security at Eliot-Hine Middle School stopped a student who was trying to enter campus with multiple knives. Administrators and contract security officers immediately secured the building while the Metropolitan Police Department and DC Public Schools police responded. Officers recovered the knives, searched the campus and then gave the all-clear. MPD said no criminal offense was committed, no one was hurt and students returned to normal routines once the search wrapped up.
How officials described the scene
Contract security officers at Eliot-Hine alerted the Metropolitan Police Department and DC Public Schools police as soon as they spotted the student, according to WUSA9. MPD officers recovered the knives, cleared the building and told the outlet that no arrests were made. The station reported that staff worked alongside police to secure students and complete the sweep of the campus.
School response and family outreach
Principal Marlene Magrino told WUSA9 that "The safety of our students is paramount," noting that the school reached out to the involved student's family to offer support while pursuing an appropriate disciplinary response. School staff said they coordinated with DCPS police and contract security to bring classes back to normal once officers finished the search and lifted the lockdown.
How discipline and safety rules apply
DC Public Schools uses a Connected Schools model and requires regular emergency drills and safety protocols at its campuses, including lockdown procedures, according to the Eliot-Hine Middle School website and district guidance. Discipline in DCPS is governed by Title 5-B, Chapter 25 of the D.C. Municipal Regulations, which outlines grounds and procedures for school discipline, while criminal matters are handled by law enforcement, per the Office of Administrative Hearings.
What families should do next
Families with students at Eliot-Hine are encouraged to watch for official communication from the school and to contact the main office or the Connected Schools manager for support or resources. If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For updates related to school safety or similar incidents, follow the district's family-notification channels for verified information.
