Gunston Middle School locked down due to “written threat”

(Updated at 8:40 p.m.) Gunston Middle School was locked down this afternoon due to a threat.

Arlington County police said the discovery of a “written threat” prompted the lockdown and investigation. The exact nature of the threat was not given.

The school at 2700 S. Lang Street had a “controlled dismissal,” assisted by police, according to ACPD.

The department issued the following press release about the incident Friday evening.

The Arlington County Police Department is investigating a written threat at Gunston Middle School, located at 2700 S. Lang Street.

At approximately 1:07 p.m. on March 10, police were dispatched to the report of a threat after school administration located a message written inside a restroom stall referencing gun violence. Prior to police arrival, the school was placed on lockdown. The investigation did not reveal an active threat to the safety of students or staff. Police assisted with a controlled dismissal of students and the lockdown was lifted. No injuries were reported during the incident.

This remains an active investigation and anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Tip Line at 703-228-4180 or [email protected]. Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

POLICE ACTIVITY: ACPD is investigating a written threat located at Gunston Middle School. No injuries have been reported. Police remain on scene investigating. https://t.co/6q15T6Fdjm

— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) March 10, 2023

UPDATE: Police are assisting with a controlled dismissal of Gunston Middle School. Parents should refer to @APSVirginia email for additional information regarding dismissal.

— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) March 10, 2023