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Teen Hospitalized After Stabbing at West Potomac High School; Another Student in Custody
A 16-year-old student is recovering in the hospital after being seriously injured in a stabbing at West Potomac High School in Alexandria, Virginia, on Wednesday morning. Fairfax County police said the incident occurred just before 10 a.m. during a fight involving three students in a hallway near classrooms.
A school resource officer responded quickly, providing aid before other officers arrived within minutes. The victim was initially reported to have life-threatening injuries, but officials later confirmed the student is now in stable condition.
A 15-year-old suspect has been taken into custody and will be charged with malicious wounding. Police recovered the knife believed to have been used in the attack. A third student involved in the altercation is being questioned but is not expected to face charges.
Authorities have not released the names of the students involved. Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis acknowledged that video of the incident has circulated online, but emphasized that it does not show the full story.
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
Parents and students expressed fear and frustration following the attack. Some questioned the school’s handling of the situation and the lack of timely communication. One parent, Bill Beal, whose daughter witnessed the stabbing, criticized the school for not allowing early pickup. “There’s more than one victim — people who saw this happen,” he said.
The school briefly went into lockdown before transitioning to “Secure the Building” status, meaning interior movement was allowed but exterior doors remained locked. Classes continued under increased security, and counselors have been made available to support students and staff.
Calls for Enhanced School Safety
In response to the incident, Fairfax County School Board members urged local leaders to increase security measures, including expanding the presence of school resource officers and implementing weapons detection systems and additional surveillance cameras.
Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, a parent of a West Potomac student, shared his personal connection and called the attack heartbreaking. “This was supposed to be a time of celebration, with graduation around the corner. These students deserved better,” he said.
Superintendent Michelle Reid praised staff for their swift and life-saving response and confirmed that the county is piloting metal detectors at some schools — though West Potomac was not yet part of the program.
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