Two Arlington Schools Locked Down After Reports of Gunfire Near Ballston; No Injuries or Evidence Found as Police Conduct Sweeping Investigation into Morning Scare

ARLINGTON, VA — April 30, 2025 — A tense morning unfolded in Arlington on Wednesday as two local schools were placed on lockdown following reports of gunfire in the Ballston area. The incident prompted a swift and thorough response from the Arlington County Police Department, which launched an investigation out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of students, staff, and the broader community.

At approximately 10:13 a.m., Arlington County Police announced via social media that Washington-Liberty High School and Barrett Elementary School had been placed on Secure-the-Building status. This precautionary measure was taken after authorities received reports of possible shots heard in the vicinity of North Carlin Springs Road and North Glebe Road, a busy intersection near the Ballston neighborhood.

Lockdowns Initiated as Precaution

Secure-the-Building status means that all exterior doors are locked and no one is allowed to enter or exit the buildings, but normal activity continues inside. It is often used as a precautionary step when there is a potential threat near a school but not on its immediate grounds.

Officials at both schools swiftly enacted safety protocols, and school resource officers remained in place as additional patrol units swept the surrounding area. Parents were alerted through school messaging systems and urged not to attempt to pick up their children until the situation was resolved.

“We understand that these types of reports create anxiety and concern,” said a spokesperson for Arlington Public Schools. “But we are proud of our school staff and law enforcement for their coordinated and calm response. At no time were students in direct danger, but we always prioritize their safety.”

No Evidence of Gunfire Found

Despite the initial alarm, Arlington County Police later confirmed that no evidence of shots being fired had been found. Officers thoroughly canvassed the area around North Carlin Springs Road and North Glebe Road, speaking with residents and business owners, and checking surveillance footage from nearby establishments. No injuries were reported, and there were no witnesses who could confirm seeing an active shooter or a weapon.

“At this time, we have not located any shell casings, bullet holes, or other physical evidence to support that shots were fired,” said ACPD spokesperson Sgt. Elena Vargas during a press briefing. “We will continue to investigate the origin of the report, but there is currently no ongoing threat to the public.”

By midday, both schools were taken off Secure-the-Building status, and normal operations resumed. School officials remained in communication with families throughout the morning, offering reassurances and thanking parents for their patience and cooperation.

Community Response and Continued Vigilance

The incident, though ultimately unfounded, has reignited conversations about school safety and emergency preparedness in the Arlington community. Many parents expressed both relief and frustration — grateful that the threat was not real but concerned about the ease with which fear can take hold.

“It’s scary to get a message like that about your child’s school,” said Mary Chen, a mother of two students at Barrett Elementary. “But I’m also glad they’re not taking any chances. I’d rather deal with a false alarm than a tragedy.”

Law enforcement officials emphasized that they treat all such reports seriously, even when they turn out to be unsubstantiated. False alarms, while disruptive, are considered preferable to delayed or insufficient responses.

“We will always err on the side of caution when it comes to reports near our schools,” Sgt. Vargas stated. “The safety of our children and educators is non-negotiable.”

Looking Ahead

Arlington Public Schools will offer counseling and support services for any students or staff who may have been emotionally affected by the lockdown. Additionally, school leaders plan to review the incident as a case study to reinforce emergency response protocols and ensure future preparedness.

Residents are encouraged to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to police immediately. While this particular case turned out to be a false alarm, the response demonstrated the effectiveness of inter-agency coordination and school safety planning in action.

As of now, no suspects have been identified, and the source of the reported gunfire remains under investigation. Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual in the Ballston area around the time of the report to come forward.

For ongoing updates, visit Arlington County Police Department’s official channels or follow their social media for the latest information.