Boulder police confirm no threat at Fairview High School after lockdown

Students, parents, and staff in Boulder faced a tense Thursday morning after reports of a possible armed person near Fairview High School triggered multiple school lockdowns. Police later confirmed there was no active threat, easing concerns. Authorities say a weighted vest and cell phone likely led to the mistaken call.

Why did schools go into lockdown?

On Thursday morning, Fairview High School in Boulder went into lockdown because there were reports of a possible armed person near the school. Southern Hills Middle School, located nearby, also went into lockdown, and Summit Middle School transitioned to secure status, as per a report by Boulder Reporting Lab.



According to police, the initial report was probably prompted by a cell phone and a weighted vest. Out of caution, officers are still searching the school. Just before noon, Boulder Police reported that there was no longer a threat deemed to be active in the area of Fairview High School, as per a report by Boulder Reporting Lab.


The person who was reported was recognized by officers as a potential suspect. The caller probably thought the individual had a gun because they were carrying a cell phone and wearing a weighted vest. Out of caution, police said they are still searching the school and should be done shortly.


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Earlier on Thursday, the Boulder Police Department announced that it was looking into a report of a man carrying a gun close to Fairview. Police said late Thursday morning that Fairview and neighboring Southern Hills Middle School were under lockdown in a post on X.




Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) quickly declared Summit Middle School to be in "secure" status. According to the department, police are still conducting a thorough search of the school out of caution and should be done shortly, as per a report by Boulder Reporting Lab.

How did police respond to the report?

Following the call, Southern Mills Middle School and Fairview High School were put on lockdown. Fairview was ready for an early dismissal following the false alarm. The school day at Southern Hills went according to plan, with regular release and buses, although families were permitted to pick up students early.

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What happened after the false alarm?

According to BVSD, Summit Middle, Community Montessori, Bear Creek, and Mesa Elementary continued their regular operations for the rest of the day.


The police call was made the day after a 16-year-old student opened fire at Evergreen High School, which is located about 40 miles from Boulder, injuring two classmates. According to Jefferson County officials, the gunman later died from a self-inflicted wound.

FAQs

Why was Fairview High put on lockdown?
Police received a report of a possible armed person near the school.

Was there actually a threat?
No, Boulder Police later confirmed it was a false alarm.