In a distressing incident at Grant Union High School on Tuesday, a male student was shot in the arm during school hours, prompting an immediate “emergency lockdown” that lasted for two hours. The Sacramento Police Department swiftly detained a 14-year-old suspect, who was also a student at the school, off-campus shortly after the shooting, according to Sgt. Carlos Martinez, a spokesperson for the department. The 17-year-old victim sustained a single gunshot wound in the school’s parking lot and was subsequently transported to the hospital with injuries that were fortunately not life-threatening. In response to the incident, the Twin Rivers Unified School District expressed its shock and sadness in a message posted on the school’s website.
The emergency response was triggered just after 9:50 a.m. when authorities received reports of the incident at the Del Paso Heights campus. Sgt. Martinez clarified that this was not an “active shooter” situation but rather appeared to be a targeted incident. Law enforcement was alerted to the shooting by a ShotSpotter activation in the vicinity, assuring the public that there was no ongoing threat to the community. The 14-year-old suspect was taken into custody on assault-related charges and placed in juvenile hall, as confirmed by the Police Department. Both the victim and the suspect were identified as students at Grant High School. The arrest of the suspect took place in the 3800 block of Balsam Street, a short distance from the school campus.
After the lockdown was lifted at 12:30 p.m., classes resumed without further incident, as indicated on Grant High School’s website. Sgt. Martinez assured reporters that law enforcement would continue to investigate the case and provide updates as more information became available.
Parents, understandably concerned, rushed to the scene upon hearing of the lockdown. Some communicated with students inside the school to ensure their safety.
Twin Rivers officials announced that psychologists and counselors would be available to support students and staff in processing the traumatic event, as mentioned in their social media post. Additionally, parents were given the option to pick up their children early after the lockdown was lifted, according to the high school’s website.
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg urged the community to stand in solidarity with the students and teachers of North Sacramento’s Grant High School. In a social media statement, he expressed his gratitude for the swift response of the Sacramento Police Department in apprehending the suspected shooter. However, he also lamented the pervasive issue of gun violence among teenagers and called for a collective effort to address it.
Late in the day, a message was posted by TRUSD Superintendant Dr. Steve Martinez:
Jan. 30, 2024
To Staff and our Twin Rivers Community, As you have likely heard, today, Grant Union High School faced a tragic incident that shakes every school community to its core. At approximately 9:30 a.m. the school received reports of shots fired within the premises. Twin Rivers Police Department responded instantly and notified the Sacramento Police Department. Immediately, our school’s security protocols were activated, and the school went into lockdown mode to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
I am saddened to confirm the involvement of two students from Grant Union High School in this tragic incident. This was not a random shooting or an incident of someone unlawfully entering the campus. One student was immediately taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and, thanks to the rapid response of our law enforcement, the suspect was located and arrested quickly.
While there was no longer any immediate threat to students or staff, the campus remained on lockdown as per our security procedures to ensure law enforcement could conduct their investigation and process the scene.
The District office remained fully engaged, coordinating emergency communications and resources to support the school community. I received numerous calls today from local leaders who offered support and assistance, and their solidarity with our school community is greatly appreciated.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the swift and coordinated response from law enforcement, whose rapid deployment helped contain the situation.
Moreover, I am profoundly grateful for the effectiveness of our emergency protocols and the dedication of our staff. Their quick thinking and decisive actions helped ensure the safety of our students and minimized the potential for further harm. Today, we witnessed the strength of our community and the resilience of our school in the face of adversity.
As we navigate the days ahead, let us continue to support one another and remain vigilant in our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of the Grant Union High School family.
Born and raised in Rio Linda, a graduate of Rio Linda High School, and a resident for most of the last 50 years. Co-Chair for the Rio Linda Elverta Neighborhood Association, announcer for Rio Linda Knights Football, Rio Linda Christmas Light Parade, and Rio Linda Little League Parade, Original keeper of the Archway Lights, and outspoken advocate for the Rio Linda Elverta community.
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