Raleigh school announces new security rules for basketball playoffs after AR-15 incident
Extra security measures will be in place at Millbrook High School for Saturday’s men’s basketball game after a person brought an AR-15 rifle to Thursday’s game at the Raleigh school.
In a message Friday to families, Millbrook Principal Brian Saunders said security adjustments are being made “to promote a safe environment for our students, families and staff” at Saturday’s playoff game against Durham’s Jordan High School.
Extra security was at Millbrook during the school day Friday due to the incident.
The additional security measures for Saturday include:
▪ Additional law enforcement officers will be present.
▪ Only clear bags, including purses, will be allowed inside the event. All bags will be inspected upon entry.
▪ Backpacks will not be permitted in the gymnasium.
▪ No one will be allowed into the game without going through the proper security checks.
▪ Spectators cannot re-enter the building or the game once they exit the building.
▪ Face coverings are not required, but if an individual chooses to wear one, it must be an approved face covering. Ski masks are not an approved face covering, and therefore will not be permitted.
▪ All jackets and coats must be fully unzipped upon entry into the building.
▪ There will be one entry point for the game, as usual, with other doors checked periodically for security.
“All spectators will be required to comply,” Saunders said. “Non-compliance will result in exclusion from the game, with no refund on the ticket and no refund on tickets for those in the individual’s party.”
Rifle brought to basketball game
On Thursday, Raleigh Police and school officials say an attendee to the Millbrook men’s basketball game against Durham’s Hillside High School brought an AR-15. Officials say the juvenile was not a Millbrook student.
Juvenile petitions and a secure custody order have been granted, police said.
Police said the investigation is ongoing. No additional details, such as the motive for bringing the assault rifle to the game, have been mentioned.
Thursday’s event is among series of incidents of weapons being found at schools in Wake County and across North Carolina.
On Friday, a gun was found on a student at Jordan High School.
On Feb. 14, a student brought a gun to Wendell Middle School. Also last week, students brought guns to Cleveland High School in Johnston County, Erwin Elementary School in Harnett County, Fairview Elementary School in Nash County and Luther Nick Jeralds Middle School in Cumberland County.
School was dismissed early at Rolesville High School on Feb. 1 after a gun was found on a student on campus.
Guns have also been fired on Wake County campuses, including on Dec. 8 when a Fuquay-Varina Middle School teacher disarmed a 12-year-old student who fired a gun in class. The teacher has been praised for her actions in saving lives that day.
On Oct. 12, a single gunshot was fired in a restroom at Cary High School. There were no injuries, but two juveniles face charges, The News & Observer previously reported.
The incidents led the Wake County school leaders to urge parents to keep guns safely store and away from students. Wake is also facing mounting pressure to join other school districts that are installing weapons detectors at schools.
This story was originally published February 24, 2023 at 3:38 PM.
