'Facsimile firearms' found on two students triggered Norwich school lockdown
NORWICH - Despite a lockdown ordered by school administrators, there was no “active shooter scenario” at Norwich Free Academy on Monday, according to a letter sent to parents Tuesday morning.
The letter, from Norwich Free Academy Superintendent Brian Kelly, said a campus safety officer at the high school “noticed unusual behavior” before an investigation discovered, “two facsimile firearms” held by two students.
Kelly described the pistols as “blank pistols that are incapable of discharging live rounds but can produce a loud sound.”
The school leader said the reports led to a call to the Norwich Police Department and officers responded, adding that “two students were questioned in this investigation, and the responsible parties will be subject to the school disciplinary process and any charges by the Norwich Police Department.”
Occurring at near the same time on Monday, campus security officers learned of a “concerning conversation” overheard on a Norwich Free Academy school bus.
“While this conversation was eventually determined to be harmless and not connected in any way, it was important to assure that it was not related to the other incident. This prolonged the duration of the lockdown,” said Kelly in his update to parents.
The lockdown scare comes after a school shooting in Oxford, Michigan where four students were killed and seven were injured.
More: Are school lockdowns traumatizing? This researcher says they don't have to be.
It also comes as school districts across the country report an uptick in disturbing behavior, including vandalism and violent episodes, that are largely blamed on the mental health of pupils returning to school after their learning was derailed by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his note to parents, Kelly thanked parents for their “understanding during these difficult times.”
“I know many of you were not satisfied with the timing and depth of our communication yesterday,” he added.
“While we were not able to share specific information while we were in the process of the investigation, my commitment to you is that we will continue to improve all aspects of this process, from lockdown procedures to overall communication. Our number one priority is the safety of our students, teachers and staff. “
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Norwich Free Academy lockdown: 'Blank pistols' found on students
