A gun was found around 1:15 p.m. today in a student’s bookbag at Woodrow Wilson High School in Tenleytown, according to a letter sent to community members by the school’s principal, Kimberly Martin.

Police confiscated the gun and the student found carrying it is being detained.

“At this time there is no immediate threat to the school,” Martin writes. “All students are safe. We will share additional details with you as appropriate.” (A representative from Wilson, reached at the school’s main office, deferred comment to D.C. Public Schools Press Secretary Michelle Lerner. We’ve reached out to her and will update this post when we hear back.)

Update 3:40 p.m. Lerner provided the following statement on behalf of DCPS:

“This afternoon, a gun was recovered inside a book bag inside Wilson High School. The student and the weapon were immediately removed from the classroom. The Metropolitan Police Department confiscated the weapon and are on the scene. DCPS is reviewing security protocols to ensure that all students and staff are safe. The safety of our community is DCPS’ highest priority.”

Dear members of the Wilson High School Community,

At Wilson High School, we highly value and are committed to fostering a learning environment where students feel safe and secure.  We also want to clearly communicate with parents about safety issues when they arise.

This is to alert you that at around 1:15 pm a gun was discovered in a student’s bookbag.  The gun has been surrendered to police, and the student is being detained.  At this time there is no immediate threat to the school.  All students are safe.  We will share additional details with you as appropriate.

I want to assure you that the safety of all Wilson High School students is one of our top priorities, and we remain committed to ensuring that your students are safe.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this incident or safety and security at our school, please feel free to contact me. Thank you again for your cooperation and support.

 Sincerely,

Kimberly Martin

Principal, Wilson High School

Photo by Darrow Montgomery