Investigators discover how a student got inside Henry Clay High School with a loaded gun
A student who brought a loaded gun into Henry Clay High School Thursday bypassed the school’s metal detectors by following a class that had been outside for an activity as they returned inside, Fayette County Public Schools said Friday.
The school was placed on lockdown after a student reported during the first hour of the school day that a gun might be on campus. The 15-year-old was arrested after the gun was found in a bag. No one was injured.
Superintendent Demetrus Liggins said in a message to families and staff Friday that just one student was involved.
“All information gathered at this time continues to confirm that the student had no intent to use the weapon at school, and no threats were made against students, staff, or the school,” he wrote. The school system shared the email with the media.
Henry Clay has metal detectors in the gym and the front entrance, and students’ bags are checked each morning as they arrive, but instead of following procedures, Liggins said “officers have clear evidence that the student in possession of the firearm entered the building after the school day began by following a class of students that was returning inside with a teacher after an outdoor activity.”
He said the police investigation is ongoing.
“Following any incident of this nature, district, school, and law enforcement officials conduct a thorough review in order to examine our processes and procedures and the fidelity to which existing safety protocols are being implemented,” Liggins wrote. “Our goal in this process is to identify areas for improvement not only at Henry Clay, but also throughout the school district. Part of this work will include opportunities for input from students, employees, and families. We will share additional information as decisions are made.”
Liggins said it’s been almost five years since the District Safety Advisory Council published its recommendations, which led to the installation of the metal detectors at each of the county’s high schools, more police officers in schools and a number of other changes. Before the incident Thursday, Liggins said the district was already planning “to reconvene a community panel to assess our progress and determine next steps.
“The council will begin working during the second semester and information about that process will be shared widely,” he wrote.
This story was originally published October 28, 2022 at 5:57 PM.
