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A student was taken into custody and a handgun was confiscated at Edison High School on February 20 after other students reportedly saw the weapon, Fairfax County school and police officials said.
The safety concern was reported late that morning. School staff worked with the Fairfax County Police Department and the school system’s Office of Safety and Security to place Edison High under a “Stay Put, Stay Tuned” protocol, keeping students in classrooms and hallways clear while the suspected students were isolated.
Investigators quickly identified the student accused of displaying the handgun. Police took the student into custody and recovered the weapon.
A follow-up investigation continued that afternoon. As part of the response, a law enforcement canine trained to detect weapons conducted a complete search of the school.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid and Police Chief Kevin Davis said the response began when a community member reported the concern. They urged students and families to alert a trusted adult, use the anonymous FCPS tip line or call 911 when they become aware of a possible threat.
School administrators regularly review emergency procedures with safety officials and school resource officers. FCPS security operations are staffed around the clock, and the school system conducts emergency drills and revises its response plans as needed. The police department’s Threat Assessment Management Unit also assists with school safety concerns.