Clarification to original article: After the incident at Verplanck settled down, there was a call regarding a similar issue at Waddell Elementary school, another primary school in town.
At this time, Police called a lockdown to all Manchester public schools, concerned it was a possible threat directed at the entire student body. This call ended up being a mistake, as the caller mixed up the name of the elementary schools.
All Manchester public schools were put on lockdown after a teenager was seen pointing a rifle into the window of one of the town’s elementary schools.
Police received a report at 1:18 p.m, stating a person wearing all black was headed towards Verplanck Elementary School carrying what appeared to be a duffle bag and rifle. After the initial calls, many filed in behind it making similar claims.
Police officers quickly responded to this incident, ordering the teen to drop his weapon and get on the ground. After he was arrested, police found the weapon to be a rifle-style air-soft gun.
Before the police arrived, witnesses of the incident reported the 17 year old pointing the rifle at the school, into classroom windows, and at students and staff. Later, footage that solidifies these claims was released to the public.
During the incident, the police said he pointed his weapon at approximately 29 children and 10 staff members on the school’s territory.
After the incident at Verplanck settled down, there was a call regarding a similar issue at Waddell Elementary school, another primary school in town.
At this time, police called a lockdown to all Manchester public schools, concerned it was a possible threat directed at the entire student body.
Now nearing the end of this week, Manchester students and staff are still feeling shaken up about this situation. If you need to talk to someone, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of the school counselors, social workers, or psychologist.
While our community continues to cope with this freighting situation, wish the best to all Verplanck students and staff who experienced the full magnitude of this trauma. Hopefully, with the support of each other, we can learn, grow, and move forward as a community.
