SOUTHAMPTON CO., Va. – Southampton Middle School was placed on lockdown after staff members were told a student might have a gun on school grounds, according to the Southampton Co. Sheriff’s Office.
A student told staff that they thought they heard another student say that they had a gun, according to the sheriff's office. Around 10:30 a.m., authorities started searching the building and the school was placed on lockdown, the sheriff's office says.
The student who heard the comment about the gun has since said that they’re not exactly sure what they heard the other student say, according to the sheriff’s office.
The sheriff’s office says multiple K9 units, Franklin police, Virginia State Police, Courtland police, Portsmouth police and the U.S. Coast Guard were on school grounds.
No one has reported that they’ve seen a gun or that any students or staff members were harmed, the sheriff’s office added. Just before 1 p.m., the sheriff's office said the search ended and no guns were found.
School officials provided an update on Facebook stating that the student who told staff that they thought they heard another student say that they had a gun has hearing difficulties. Officials say there's uncertainty over whether they heard another student say they had "gum" or "a gun" in their backpack.
The school's update is as follows:
Dear Parents and Guardians of Southampton Middle School,
We are informing you that Southampton Middle School is currently undergoing a lockdown as a measure of caution.
This action follows an incident where a student who has hearing difficulties reported uncertainty over whether they heard another student mention having either gum or a gun in their backpack. We have taken the precautionary step of a lockdown and other measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all our students and staff.
Our school is in active collaboration with the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office, our School Security Supervisor, School Administration, District Administration, and the Division Superintendent to thoroughly investigate the situation.
We understand the importance of keeping you informed and will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this ongoing lockdown and investigation.
Sincerely,
Jasmine Galloway
6th Grade Principal
Patricia Jackson
7th Grade Principal
Mark Barfield
8th Grade Principal
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