Several Seattle public schools went into lockdown Wednesday afternoon following an altercation between two Garfield High School students. The lockdown was put in place after shots were fired three blocks away immediately after a fight that spilled onto the football field. Named after James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, the school has played an integral role in the local community for nearly a century.
Seattle Public Schools (SPS) placed multiple schools on lockdown. The schools included Garfield and Nova high schools and Washington and Meany middle schools. The lockdown was lifted at around 2pm. Students were able to participate in extracurricular activities as normal after the safety measures were lifted. Garfield High has award-winning sports teams to stellar performances in music, drama, and arts. Students are encouraged to explore their passions and talents beyond the classroom.
An altercation took place between two families that resulted in the fight at the school. The fight between two Garfield High School students was not a direct threat to the school accordingto reports after these events. However, shortly after the Garfield incident, shots were fired near 27th and Alder between two vehicles. More than a dozen shell casings was said to have been found by investigators.
There is no information coming from the police stating they were related incidents. Seattle police said there was a physical fight near Garfield High School. That fight created another incident on the school’s football field. There, a 17-year-old suffered an injury according to information from the Seattle Fire Department.
Garfield High School is located in the heart of Seattle, was established in 1923. The school this has helped to shape the academic landscape of Seattle. Interesting fact, Jimi Hendricks attended Garfield but never graduated. He said he was kicked out while some information states he dropped out.
