ROCKVILLE, Md. — One person was shot inside Thomas S. Wootton High School on Monday afternoon, prompting a lockdown as police responded to what they described as an active incident.
Montgomery County Police said officers were called to the Rockville school around 2:15 p.m. Upon arrival, they found a student who had been shot in a hallway inside the building. The student was transported to a nearby hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. Another student has been taken into custody.
Eric Ardestani, whose child was inside a classroom at the time, told he rushed to the school after receiving a text from his son while at work.
“I just hope officers don’t stay outside,” Ardestani said. “I want them to go in immediately. It reminds me of what happened in Uvalde, and I don’t want that to happen here.”
Ardestani said the incident has made him reconsider sending his children to public school.
“Homeschooling may be the best option,” he said.
Officials have not disclosed exactly where on campus the shooting occurred. Authorities have also not released the victim’s identity or additional details about their condition. No information has been provided about a motive.
One student who had left campus earlier told they were shocked by what was unfolding.
“It seems like everyone inside is extremely scared,” said the student, identified only as Joel. “And shocked.”
Police announced that a reunification site for families has been set up at Robert Frost Middle School on Scott Drive. Students who ride buses will be taken home on their regular routes.
“Parents of bus riders are asked not to come to the school,” police said in a post on X. “Reunification for non-bus riders will be shared shortly.”
All roads leading to Wootton High School remain closed as the investigation continues.
Montgomery County Public Schools does not use metal detectors, though community resource officers are assigned to all county high schools.
County Executive Marc Elrich released a statement following the shooting, confirming that a person is in custody and that he is in direct communication with Montgomery County Police, the City of Rockville, and school officials.
“The school was placed on lockdown as a precaution, which is the appropriate step whenever there is a report of gunfire on a campus,” Elrich said. “Student safety is our highest priority.”
Elrich also urged residents to rely on official updates as the investigation continues, warning that misinformation may spread during breaking situations.
In 2024, the FBI and Montgomery County Police disrupted a planned shooting at the same school. Former student Alex Ye was arrested after authorities discovered a 129-page manifesto. Ye was convicted in January 2025 and is currently serving a prison sentence.