Highline High School entered a ‘Secure’ lockdown status Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 25, 2025 after deputies responded to reports of a reckless shooting nearby, according to the Burien Police Department/King County Sheriff’s Office and Highline Public Schools.
Deputies were dispatched just after 1:30 p.m. to the 15000 block of 1st Ave South after a caller reported multiple shots fired and people running from the scene toward the school.
Law enforcement relayed the information to Highline High School officials, who decided to initiate a lockdown style Secure action as a precaution.
Highline Public Schools said the Secure began at approximately 1:50 p.m. on the recommendation of the Burien Police Department. The status was lifted at 2:17 p.m.
A parent told South King Media they received a text from their student reporting the lockdown while it was underway.
During a Secure action, students and staff move indoors and exterior doors are locked while classes continue normally inside the building. The district said the procedure is used when something concerning or potentially unsafe occurs outside the school.
Deputies detained one person but later released them. At least one vehicle was damaged by a stray bullet, according to Burien Police.
No injuries were reported, and the case remains under investigation.
“Student safety is always our first priority. We take immediate action on any incident or report of a threat,” Principal Clint Sallee said in a message to families.
The school thanked parents for their patience during dismissal and encouraged students to report safety concerns.
Below is text of Sallee’s message sent out to families:
“Dear Highline High School Families,
“Today at approximately 1:50 p.m., Highline High School entered a Secure status due to police activity in the area. This action was recommended by the Burien Police Department out of an abundance of caution. The Secure was lifted at 2:17 p.m.
“The Secure Action is called when there is something concerning or potentially unsafe outside the school. Everyone comes inside, and all exterior doors are locked. Classes continue as usual inside the building.
“Student safety is always our first priority. We take immediate action on any incident or report of a threat. We encourage students to report any safety concerns they may have. Thank you, parents and families, for your patience and cooperation during dismissal.
“Please know that your child’s safety is the central purpose of all our safety procedures. To learn more about our safety procedures and how we respond to incidents, please visit highlineschools.org/srp.
“If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at 206-631-6700 or clint.sallee@highlineschools.org.
“Clint Sallee
“Principal
“Highline High School”
