UPDATE 10:36 a.m. Sept. 20, 2024: We have learned that Friday morning’s modified school lockdowns are due to a “nationwide threat” circulating throughout South King County schools, and both local police and the FBI are investigating this situation.
As we learn more information, we’ll update this post.
PREVIOUSLY:
Schools in the South King County area – including Tukwila and Highline Public Schools – were placed under a modified lockdown Friday morning, Sept. 20, 2024 after a social media post surfaced threatening violence against multiple campuses in the region.
The threat – which included Showalter Middle School in Tukwila as one of the 22 named schools – has prompted increased police presence and heightened security measures.
The Tukwila Police Department confirmed they received information regarding the online threat.
“We take all threats to our schools and the children of our community seriously regardless of whether or not the threat appears credible,” the department said in a statement.
Tukwila Police have stationed a School Resource Officer at Showalter Middle School, while additional officers are conducting extra patrols at Showalter, Foster High School, and several elementary schools in the area.
Meanwhile, eight schools in the Highline Public Schools district – including Glacier Middle School, Highline High School, McMicken Heights Elementary School, Hilltop Elementary School, Cascade Middle School, Des Moines Elementary School, Sylvester Middle School, and Tyee High School – also entered a modified lockdown. According to the district, this means students can move about inside the school, but exterior doors are locked, and only known staff members are allowed entry. Windows and blinds have been closed as a precaution.
While the specifics of the threat have not been publicly disclosed, school districts emphasized that they are collaborating with local law enforcement, including Tukwila, Des Moines and SeaTac police departments, to ensure the safety of students and staff.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the named schools will begin the day in a modified lockdown with increased security,” Highline Public Schools said in a notification sent to parents.
The investigation into the validity of the online threat remains ongoing. In the meantime, district officials are encouraging families to report any safety concerns to authorities.
“The safety of our students is our number one priority,” the statement added, assuring the community that all threats are being taken seriously.