Incident at Westside Global Awareness Magnet School in Marina del Rey
On Wednesday morning, a serious incident occurred at Westside Global Awareness Magnet in Marina del Rey, where a student reportedly discharged a firearm inside a classroom.
Details of the Incident
According to school district officials, the discharge took place between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. Initial reports indicate that the firearm was accidentally discharged, potentially from a backpack. The student involved is believed to be a 13-year-old boy.
Campus Lockdown
In response to the incident, the campus went into lockdown for a brief period. School communications reassured parents, stating that no students or staff members were injured during this unsettling event.
Law Enforcement Response
The Los Angeles School Police Department was immediately notified, and subsequent law enforcement actions included a thorough sweep of the campus. By 10:40 a.m., the lockdown was lifted, with safety measures evaluated and confirmed.
Communication to Parents
Parents received a message clarifying the situation, noting that a student allegedly discharged a firearm and then left the campus. The communication emphasized that all students and staff were safe. An earlier message had assured parents that due process was being followed and that school police were present to manage the situation.
Support Services
To support the emotional well-being of students affected by this event, on-campus police will increase their presence for the remainder of the week. Counseling services are also being made available to assist students in processing the incident.
Community Engagement
To facilitate open communication with parents, the school has arranged a Zoom meeting today at 4 p.m. to address concerns and provide further updates regarding the incident.
About the School
Westside Global Awareness Magnet serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. The school prides itself on being a small, family-friendly environment that promotes academic exploration anchored in the unique geographic features surrounding the campus, including nearby wetlands and ocean areas.
This incident raises questions around school safety and the measures in place to protect students and staff. The district’s prompt communication and swift actions reflect ongoing efforts to maintain a secure educational environment.