Man With Gun Sparks Lockdown at Fairview High School

Police secure campus after report of armed individual

Lead Fairview High School and nearby Southern Hills Middle School in Boulder were placed on secure status and later lockdown Thursday after a report of a man with a gun near campus, prompting road closures and a SWAT response.

Nut Graf Authorities said swift action and adherence to district protocols prevented injuries and ensured student safety, underscoring the district’s commitment to crisis preparedness amid growing concerns about school security.

Campus Response

• 10:43 a.m.: Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) placed Fairview High School in “secure” status, locking doors and moving students indoors.
• 10:49 a.m.: Boulder Police advised escalation to full lockdown for Fairview and Southern Hills Middle School; classrooms were secured and students instructed to remain quiet.
• 11:02 a.m.: Summit Middle School shifted to “secure” status, following district guidance to contain potential threats.

Law Enforcement Actions

• A SWAT team arrived around 11 a.m. and swept the campus perimeter, focusing on Greenbriar Boulevard between South Broadway and Gillespie Drive.
• Roads in front of the schools were closed to traffic; parents were urged to stay away and rely on official updates for reunification procedures.

District and Police Statements BVSD spokesperson advised families that normal school activities continued indoors once the secure status was declared and that no suspect was located on campus. Boulder Police confirmed the investigation remains active.

Community Reaction Parents praised the rapid communication and clear protocols. “It was scary, but the staff handled it professionally,” said one Fairview parent watching updates from home.

Next Steps Investigators continue to search for the individual reported, reviewing video footage and conducting interviews. BVSD plans a debrief on the incident response to identify any areas for improvement.