Principal reports that bullets hit elementary school in SE DC while classes were in session on Monday

According to the principal of an elementary school in SE DC, the school was hit by bullets during regular school hours on Monday.

Kate Davison wrote this piece.

According to school officials, Stanton Elementary School, in southeast D.C., went into lockdown on Monday, September 26, 2023, following an incident where bullets hit the building. As per reports from 7News and John Lewis, the school had to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

The news item originates from Washington and is reported by 7News.

According to officials, a primary school in southeast D.C. had to go on lockdown as bullets hit the building on Monday.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., Stanton Elementary School staff members on Naylor Road S.E. heard multiple gunshots. As a result, the students outside during the time were immediately brought back inside the school building for safety measures.

According to a letter obtained by 7News, Principal Allen Richardson notified parents that a fifth-grade classroom remained empty after being hit by a single bullet. At the same time, two windows in a kindergarten classroom were also struck by gunfire.

According to Richardson, there were no reported injuries. He mentioned that the damages were found during a thorough check after the lockdown.

Please find below the complete letter that Richardson has sent to parents:

Here is the full letter that Richardson sent to parents:

To the esteemed parents and families of Stanton Elementary School,

Here at Stanton, our top priority is providing a safe and secure environment for all our students. We recognize the importance of open communication with our school community regarding safety incidents. We understand that keeping families informed is essential in fostering strong partnerships.

At around 1:35 p.m. this afternoon, the school administration received a report of gunshots fired near our campus. We acted promptly and contacted the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). To ensure the safety of our students, staff swiftly conducted a reverse evacuation to bring those outside back into the building. We immediately implemented a lockdown procedure after everyone was accounted for and safely inside. During a lockdown, students must stay away from windows and exterior classrooms. Moving between classes or entering and exiting the building is prohibited until the situation is resolved.

During the recent incident, bullets fired hit the windows of two classrooms, causing damage. The windows of an unoccupied 5th-grade and kindergarten classrooms were struck once. Fortunately, no one was hurt during the ordeal, and the damage was discovered during a routine sweep after the lockdown.

At 2:10 p.m., the MPD gave us the green light to continue our regular operations, and the rest of the day went smoothly as planned. Students and families in the area may have observed a higher number of law enforcement officials this afternoon.

It’s essential to recognize that dealing with the aftermath of community violence can be a challenging and trying experience. As a school community, we want to assure our Stanton family that we are here for them every step of the way. Our dedicated teachers and our mental health and wellness staff have ensured that each classroom provides a safe and supportive environment where students can openly express their emotions, ask questions, and receive the necessary assistance. If your child requires extra support, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Ensuring the safety and welfare of our students is of utmost importance to us. In case of any queries, please do not hesitate to contact our school office at (202) 671-6180 or drop us an email at [email protected].

According to police, a teenager was fatally shot on Green Street, merely three blocks away from Stanton Elementary School, later in the afternoon on Monday, following the earlier incident at the school.

Authorities have confirmed that the teenager was declared dead at the site of the incident. The teenager’s teenager’s identity is yet to be determined, and 7News is still gathering information to uncover the ‘s identitydeceased individual’s identity.

On Monday afternoon, a shooting occurred in Anacostia, currently under investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department. (7News)

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers have reported that they are currently looking for two individuals suspected to have connections with the case.

Police reported another shooting incident in the 5100 block of Fitch Street S.E. around 12 a.m. on Tuesday. According to the authorities, a woman was fatally shot at the scene. MPD sent out an alert on Twitter, informing the public about the ongoing investigation.

On September 26, 2023, a shooting occurred in the 5100 block of Fitch Street S.E., to which the police promptly responded. (Image source: 7News)

For the third consecutive year, the district is teetering on the brink of surpassing 200 homicides. Currently, the number of fatalities in the nation’s capital stands at a minimum of 198.

As Acting MPD Police Chief Pamela Smith’s confirmation process begins this week, she can expect to face difficult questions regarding the increasing crime rates.

On Wednesday at 11 a.m., a virtual roundtable is scheduled to determine whether Smith will be appointed as the permanent chief.

We have reached out to Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office to inquire about the measures being taken by her and the authorities to address the recent surge in violence.

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