On Wednesday, May 9, 2025, James W. Robinson, Jr. Secondary School, located in Kings Park West, Virginia, was placed under a hard lockdown following reports of a possible firearm on campus. The report came in during the late morning hours, prompting an immediate and coordinated response from the Fairfax County Police Department and school administration.
Law enforcement officers swiftly arrived on the scene at the school’s address — 5035 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, VA — and began securing the area. Multiple police vehicles, including patrol cars and specialized units, established a perimeter around the campus. Inside the school, students and staff followed lockdown protocols, sheltering in place behind locked classroom doors and away from windows, as directed by administrators.
The lockdown was implemented out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of everyone on campus while officers conducted a methodical search of the buildings and surrounding areas. Parents were notified via emergency alerts from Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), and many gathered anxiously outside the campus waiting for updates.
After a thorough investigation, police found no firearm and determined that there was no active threat to the school community. Authorities have not released specific information about the origin of the report but confirmed that no weapon was discovered and no suspect has been detained. The lockdown was lifted after a few hours, and students were able to resume their regular school day. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
The Fairfax County Police Department and Fairfax County Public Schools are conducting a joint investigation into the incident to determine whether the report was a misunderstanding, a hoax, or part of a larger concern. As part of their routine post-incident procedures, FCPS will also be reviewing how the emergency response was handled to identify any areas for improvement.
FCPS emphasized that it takes all safety concerns seriously and that schools across the district are equipped with comprehensive crisis management plans. These include regular safety drills, security personnel, and collaboration with local law enforcement. FCPS officials also encouraged students, staff, and community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or threats through the FCPS Safety Tipline, which allows for anonymous submissions.
This incident highlights the importance of maintaining a strong culture of situational awareness and preparedness in educational settings. It also reinforces the need for open communication between school officials, law enforcement, parents, and students in addressing safety-related incidents swiftly and effectively.
For more information on school safety practices and resources, visit FCPS Safety and Security.
Fairfax County authorities have assured the public that all necessary measures were taken to respond appropriately and that the safety of students and staff remains the highest priority.
