The Kent School District in Washington has faced a series of unsettling events over the past few days, including the arrests of students and social media threats, which have left many families on edge. On Thursday, Sept. 26, police arrested a student at Kentridge High School, and another arrest occurred earlier in the week involving a Kentwood High School student. These incidents, along with social media threats, have led to early school dismissals and heightened security measures.
Kent Police arrested a student in a Kentridge classroom, but details surrounding the arrest have not yet been released. Kentridge Principal Christa Ernst emphasized the importance of maintaining safety and reassured families that the police are handling the situation. “While the circumstances were not ideal, our collaboration with the Kent Police Department remains strong,” she said.
The day before, on Sept. 25, a 16-year-old Kentwood High School student was arrested following an off-campus altercation that prompted a brief lockdown. Police searched for a weapon but found none. The case remains under investigation.
In addition to the arrests, both Kentwood High School and nearby Mattson Middle School experienced disruptions on Sept. 26 due to social media threats. Although these threats were deemed non-credible, several concerned parents opted to pull their children out of school early. Kentwood Principal Samantha Ketover assured families that the administration was working closely with law enforcement and that additional safety measures were in place for the remainder of the day.
These incidents are not isolated. Just a week earlier, on Sept. 20, the Kent School District had been mentioned in a nationwide social media threat, with Kent-Meridian High School and Springbrook Elementary School listed among more than 20 schools. The district, working with local police and the FBI, determined there was no credible threat but increased security presence as a precaution.
The district continues to emphasize the importance of open communication and encourages students to report any suspicious activity. Both the Kent Police Department and the King County Sheriff’s Office remain vigilant in responding to potential threats, with law enforcement officials stressing that the safety of students remains the top priority.
