TBB’s Breakdown of the 4/29 Shooting in Blake’s Parking Lot

On Wednesday, April 29th, around 11:30 am, students were enjoying their lunches, socializing with friends, and going about their days when Principal Adelekan got on the school intercom and announced Blake High School would be placed in a Hold, calling for students to report to their fifth-period classes. Word spread quickly to the students and staff that someone had fired a gun. 

In the following minutes, it was reported that a 19-year-old trespassed on campus and that someone was shot. News outlets added details and context to the story in the coming hours and days as the story’s details became more clear–ultimately revealing an altercation between multiple students and a handgun allegedly brought to Blake by a student.

Blake was placed on hold (as opposed to a lockdown) due to the situation occurring outside. By the time Mr. Adelekan was made aware of the situation, the actual threat was already eliminated, as Mr. Marshall (head of security) was able to remove the gun from the perpetrator’s reach.

Mr. Marshall expressed how “[He] really didn’t have any thought…since [his] job is [to prioritize] safety…[if he sees] danger…[he thinks to himself]…’ Let’s get us safe.’” But since the danger was still outside and students are allowed to eat anywhere on campus during lunch, having students report to their fifth-period class was the best way to ensure everyone would be safe. 

Before students were dismissed that day, Mr. Adelekan revealed to The Blake Beat and through a school-wide email that for the rest of the school year, students wouldn’t be permitted outside during lunch, and won’t be able to order food anymore. When asked whether or not ordering food and or going outside would be permitted the following school year, he stated that while this would continue for the rest of the school year, during the summer, students can voice their opinion and have a vote for what the administration decides to do.

But in the meantime, parents are allowed to bring their children lunch as long as they’re not ordering directly to the school, or else the driver would be turned away. But if they come in person to drop off the food, that’s perfectly fine.

Back in March, three MCPS schools were piloting the AI weapon detection program called “VOLT AI,” whether or not this program comes to Blake is still undecided as Mr. Adelekan shared that “I think the school system is just taking their time to make sure it really works, because they’ll be paying, you know, millions of dollars for something if it doesn’t work, that’s money that’s taken away from paying for teachers, security.” 

This situation resulted in more regular security cameras being installed (such as those outside the portables installed early in May) and an increase in exterior patrol, especially near the student parking lot and front entrance. There is currently an officer outside (on campus) encouraging students who are outside to only do so if they need to, or get where they need to be. Such as early releases or half-day schedules. Staff will also be encouraged to stand by their doors, making sure students aren’t wandering the halls during class.

In regard to lunch, along with not being allowed to order takeout, students aren’t permitted to eat outside anymore. Students must stay within the building at all times during lunch. Though, since the weather is getting nicer, students who want to eat outside are encouraged to eat in either of the courtyards within the school during lunch.

Keeping students in the buildings is done with the intention of reducing the amount of traffic that comes through the bus loop and student parking lot. When asked, Mr. Adelekan said it was because “But with so much traffic…it’s hard to identify who’s who,” which is why the amount of traffic outside is a factor in why a non-student was able to get on campus and begin the incident.

Finally, during lunch, teachers who are free and have no students hanging out in their classroom will be asked to help monitor the halls during lunch. Mr. Adelekan said this was because “when adults are around, it’s less likely for kids to misbehave,” ensuring the safety of students. Without adult supervision, students are more likely to engage in activities that could hurt themselves or others, so having more staff in the halls would reduce that risk.

Article written by TBB’s Elisa Reyes and Cindy Marroquin