UPDATE: Highline High School placed in secure and later lockdown status after reported threats; student assaulted, 3 arrested

Three juveniles were arrested after Highline High School was placed in lockdown on Monday, Dec. 1 when students reported being threatened with a weapon in a parking lot, according to the Burien Police Department.

Police said one student was assaulted but no shots were fired, and officers from multiple agencies responded to assist as the campus was searched.

The district said the school was placed in a Secure status in the morning after a report of a social media threat. Law enforcement responded and determined the threat was not credible.

In the afternoon, the school went into a Lockdown as staff and law enforcement investigated a new report of a threat. In a message sent to families, the school said it was “actively responding to the situation and collaborating with local law enforcement.”

The Burien Police Department said officers responded to the campus for reports of a student with a weapon while the school was in Lockdown.

Police said no shots were fired.

According to police, one student reported being assaulted and said the suspects had guns. Officers identified three suspects and, with help from school security, tracked them before taking three juveniles into custody. Police said the juveniles were transported to the King County Youth Detention Center.

The case remains under investigation.

Burien officers were assisted by SeaTac Police, White Center and Skyway deputies, Metro and Sound deputies, as well as K9 units.

Here are details on the two separate safety incidents Monday:

• The school entered Secure at 9:19 a.m. while staff and police investigated an online threat, later shifting to a Hold at 9:33 a.m. to restrict hallway movement. Law enforcement determined the threat was not credible, and the Hold was lifted at 10:35 a.m.
• A more serious incident occurred at 12:55 p.m. when students reported being threatened with a weapon by several individuals in the school’s parking lot. One student received minor injuries, and no shots were fired. Highline entered Lockdown while police searched the campus. The Lockdown was lifted at 2:31 p.m., and some individuals are now in custody as the investigation continues.

School leaders reminded families that posting threats online is a crime and stressed that scanner audio circulating on social media may be inaccurate. They also outlined the district’s Standard Response Protocol, noting that Secure events do not always require immediate notification, while Lockdowns often do.

A letter sent out to families said not to come to the school or call the school or district office, noting that phone lines must remain open for emergency communication.

Difference between ‘Secure’ and ‘Lockdown’

Highline Public Schools uses the Standard Response Protocol, which distinguishes between a Secure and a Lockdown:

• A Secure is initiated when a potential threat is outside the building, prompting staff to lock exterior doors while classes continue inside.
• A Lockdown is used when a potential threat is inside or very near the school, requiring students and staff to move into secured rooms, lock doors, turn off lights and remain silent and out of sight.

“Stay where you are and remain available to receive updates and instructions,” the message said. It also emphasized that student safety is the school’s top priority and directed families to the district’s safety procedures page for more information.

Law enforcement remains on scene supporting the investigation. No additional details were immediately released.

Below is text of the letter to families:

“Highline Public Schools

“Dear HHS Families,

“HHS is in Lockdown as we investigate a report of threat. We are actively responding to the situation and collaborating with local law enforcement.”Please do not come to the school or call the school or district office. Phone lines must remain open for emergency communication. Stay where you are and remain available to receive updates and instructions.

“The safety and well-being of your child is our top priority. To learn more about our safety procedures and lockdowns, visit highlineschools.org/srp.”