Two schools in San Diego's Clairemont neighborhood were placed on lockdown Monday morning following reports of a potential threat. The San Diego Police Department responded to the incident, conducting thorough safety sweeps before determining the threat was not credible and lifting the lockdown after approximately two hours.
Key Takeaways
- Clairemont High School and Marston Middle School were locked down around 11:30 a.m. on Monday.
- The action was taken in response to reports of a potential active shooter threat.
- San Diego Police conducted extensive safety sweeps of both campuses.
- The threats were officially deemed "unfounded" and the lockdown was lifted shortly before 1:45 p.m.
- Designated reunification points were established for parents and guardians during the incident.
Police Respond to Potential Threat
On Monday, September 22, 2025, the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) initiated a response at Clairemont High School, located at 4150 Ute Drive, at approximately 11:30 a.m. The police action was prompted by reports concerning a potential threat directed at the campus.
While initial details about the specific nature of the threat were not immediately released, it was later clarified that the reports involved a potential active shooter. Officers began a comprehensive safety sweep of the high school to ensure the security of students and staff.
Precautionary Measures at Nearby School
As a precautionary measure, law enforcement also placed nearby Marston Middle School on lockdown. According to officials, this step was taken out of an abundance of caution due to the middle school's proximity to the high school. A separate safety sweep was also conducted at the Marston campus to eliminate any possible risk.
Understanding School Lockdown Procedures
School lockdown protocols are designed to protect students and staff during a potential threat inside or near the campus. These procedures typically involve securing classrooms, turning off lights, staying silent, and keeping away from doors and windows until law enforcement gives an all-clear signal. Coordinated responses with local police are a standard part of school district safety plans.
Community Response and Reunification Plan
During the lockdown, authorities established several reunification locations for parents and guardians awaiting news. This proactive measure was intended to provide a safe and organized process for families once the situation was resolved.
The designated reunification points were:
- The YMCA at 3401 Clairemont Drive
- The area behind Sprouts at 2800 Calle Way
- Canyon View Church of Christ at 4292 Balboa Ave
In a statement on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the SDPD announced, "Once the lockdown is lifted, the school will be opened for pick up." This communication helped manage the flow of information to concerned family members.
Parental Concerns During the Incident
The uncertainty of the situation created significant anxiety for parents. One father at the scene shared his experience after receiving a text message from his son who was inside the school.
"Think about my little boy. He’s 17, but he’s still my little boy. Being worried, being stuck in a classroom, in the dark, worried about what might be going outside while this police presence is here and it’s just a symptom of the place that our country is in today."
His comments reflect the emotional toll such incidents take on families and the wider community, even when they conclude without physical harm.
Timeline of Events
- ~11:00 AM: SDPD receives reports of a potential threat.
- ~11:30 AM: Police arrive at Clairemont High School; lockdown begins. Marston Middle School is also placed on lockdown.
- 11:30 AM - 1:45 PM: Officers conduct safety sweeps of both campuses.
- ~1:45 PM: The lockdown is lifted after the threat is deemed unfounded.
Investigation Concludes with All-Clear
After more than two hours of systematic searches and investigation, police officials at the scene confirmed that no active threat was present on either campus. The extensive sweeps were part of a meticulous process to ensure complete safety.
Lt. Travis Easter of the SDPD spoke to reporters at the scene, emphasizing the department's diligence. "We’re doing our best to make sure everything is safe and dotting our ‘i’s and crossing our ‘t’s," he stated, highlighting the thoroughness of the police operation.
Official Confirmation and Gratitude
The lockdown at both Clairemont High School and Marston Middle School was officially lifted shortly before 1:45 p.m. The SDPD provided an update confirming the resolution of the incident.
"Threats of an active shooter this morning were unfounded," the department stated in a post on X. "We take all active shooter threats seriously. We want to thank San Diego Unified and our community for being vigilant."
Following the all-clear, parents and guardians were permitted to pick up their children from both schools. The incident concluded without injury, but served as a stark reminder of the serious nature of school security in the current climate.