High Point High School Shooting & Lockdown Report — Beltsville, MD, January 9, 2026
BELTSVILLE, MARYLAND — A shooting and subsequent lockdown at High Point High School in Prince George’s County on January 9, 2026 prompted law enforcement response and precautionary safety measures to protect students and staff. According to official sources and verified reporting, the incident involved an allegation of a firearm in the vicinity of the campus, leading to the school being placed in lockdown while police secured the area and conducted investigations. (FOX 5 DC)
Incident Overview
On January 9, 2026, officials from Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) and High Point High School administrators responded to reports that a firearm was believed to be on or near the high school campus. In response to this potentially critical threat, the school was placed under precautionary lockdown to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff. (FOX 5 DC)
Lockdowns are emergency procedures used by schools to quickly secure buildings and restrict movement inside the campus when there is a perceived risk to safety. During a lockdown, doors are locked, students remain in classrooms, and movement within the school is minimized until law enforcement completes their response and determines the environment is safe. (Montgomery County Public Schools)
Police Response and Investigation
Prince George’s County police responded promptly to the call, working in coordination with school officials to assess the threat. Officers conducted thorough checks of the area surrounding High Point High School, which is located at 3601 Powder Mill Road in Beltsville, Maryland, as part of the Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) system. (Prince George’s County Public Schools)
While initial lockdown orders stemmed from an allegation involving a firearm, confirmed information from local authorities indicates that the shooting or threat did not occur directly on school grounds. In the related Oct. 3, 2025 incident, a nearby shooting along Powder Mill Road triggered a similar lockdown out of an abundance of caution. In that case, a juvenile was injured and taken to a hospital with non–life-threatening injuries, and the suspect was sought by police but not immediately identified. (FOX 5 DC)
For the January 9, 2026 lockdown, police maintained a presence on and around the campus while conducting searches and evaluating whether any credible threat remained. Law enforcement officers also communicated with school leadership and parents, providing updates according to safety protocols. Due to the sensitive nature of such investigations and to protect student privacy, detailed specifics about suspects or investigative outcomes are typically released only through official police statements.
Precautionary Lockdown Procedures
School lockdowns in Maryland are standardized safety procedures designed to isolate students and staff in place and to limit access to potential danger. Under lockdown requirements, classroom doors are secured, school communications are centralized, and normal school activities are temporarily suspended until authorized personnel confirm that all threats have been cleared. (Montgomery County Public Schools)
In the case of High Point High School’s January 9 lockdown, the precautionary measures were lifted only after PGPD determined that the area was secure and no immediate danger remained to the campus community. Once an “all-clear” notification was issued, school officials allowed students and staff to resume regular activities or be released at the end of the school day.
Community and School District Communication
Prince George’s County Public Schools routinely communicates with families and community members during lockdowns and emergency responses. These communications often include alerts via email, official social media updates, and statements from school administrators or district officials. Parents received notifications emphasizing the school’s precautionary lockdown status, that students were safe, and that law enforcement was actively managing the situation.
Officials also reminded families that unverified rumors or social media speculation could lead to confusion and recommended relying on verified information from the school district or Prince George’s County Police Department. Clear communication is essential during emergency responses to ensure public understanding and minimize unnecessary anxiety.
Safety and Next Steps
High Point High School, part of the broader PGCPS network, continues to prioritize student and staff safety, regularly reviewing and updating emergency response procedures. The January 9, 2026 lockdown underscores the need for vigilance and coordination between school security teams and law enforcement in response to potential firearm threats or other critical incidents.
Parents and community stakeholders are encouraged to participate in safety education and community outreach initiatives. Input from families and students plays an important role in shaping school safety policies and practices.
Conclusion
The High Point High School shooting and lockdown in Beltsville, Maryland, on January 9, 2026 was a serious precautionary response to an alleged firearm threat in the school’s vicinity. Law enforcement officers and school officials worked collaboratively to ensure the safety of the campus, conduct necessary investigations, and ultimately lift the lockdown once no credible threat was confirmed. Throughout the operation, students and staff were kept safe, and authorities maintained open communication with the community as they adhered to established safety protocols.
Verified information and official updates will continue to be provided by the Prince George’s County Police Department and the Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) as appropriate.
