Charles Herbert Flowers High student tried to bypass security with a loaded gun, school officials say

SPRINGDALE, Md. — Charles Herbert Flowers High School was placed on lockdown Tuesday morning after a gun was found on school grounds. Police say the lockdown was out of an “abundance of caution.” As of noon, the lockdown was lifted.

Officers are on the scene and have taken a student into custody. No injuries have been reported, and there is no current threat to students or the community at this time, police said.

Investigators have not said how the gun was found or a motive for someone to bring it onto school grounds.

Following the lockdown, some parents chose to pick their students up early from school. 

Principal Gorman Brown sent the following letter to parents on Tuesday:

I am writing to inform you about an incident that occurred today at Charles H. Flowers High School.

 A student attempted to bypass security while carrying a weapon, prompting an immediate school lockdown. The proper authorities were contacted and conducted a search, during which a loaded handgun was recovered. The lockdown began at 8:45 a.m. and was lifted at 9:40 a.m. During this time, students remained in their classrooms and instruction continued. 

 The safety of our students is our top priority. Disciplinary action is pending, according to our Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook. 

 Please assist in our efforts to maintain a safe learning environment by discussing with your child acceptable behaviors that support a positive school climate. Review with your child the consequences, such as expulsion, for bringing weapons or anything that resembles a weapon to school. Additionally, please encourage your child to immediately report the sighting of any weapon or suspicious object on school grounds to a staff member or trusted adult. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact 301-636-8000 or

gorman.brown@pgcps.org. Thank you for your continued support. 

Gorman Brown Ed.D. Principal

During school pickup, some parents shared concerns about the fact that the gun was loaded. 

A father who asked to not be identified told WUSA9 that his two students sent him text messages during the lockdown, reassuring him that they were safe. “Me and their mom had really been thinking of homeschooling if these incidents continue to keep happening because that might be the only way we can keep our kids safe,” he said. 

Another mother who also asked us to not use her name told WUSA9 that she was going to have a serious talk with her son, reminding him to “Just to be vigilant, and if you know something, go to an adult and say something.”

It is still unclear if the school’s weapon detection system played a part in locating the weapon. 

We are waiting for further information from Prince George’s County Police to determine if the student or anyone else will be facing criminal charges for the incident.