Students evacuated from Golden High School after gun reported on campus

High schoolers in Golden were released from classes Monday after a student brought a fake gun to school, triggering a lockdown, according to the school district.

At about 8:06 a.m. Monday, Jefferson County Public Schools received a Safe2Tell report that a Golden High School student was in the school “with something that looked like a firearm in their possession,” according to an email released to The Denver Post by the school district.

The school was placed on lockdown less than 10 minutes later.

During the lockdown, a student with a “facsimile” weapon that they made at home for their Halloween costume asked law enforcement if their costume was the reason for the lockdown, according to the email from Golden High School principal John Graham to parents.

The student matched the description given in the tip and was interviewed by police, Graham said.

At about 9:30 a.m. the school started a controlled early release so Golden police officers could finish clearing the building. A second sweep of the building was complete and the lockdown was lifted by 10 a.m.

“At no point was there a weapon on our school campus and all staff and students are safe,” Graham wrote in the email, confirming the tip originated from the Halloween costume.

Graham said students who walk or drive to school were released to go home on their own, those who ride the bus were taken home on buses that picked them up off campus and those who get picked up by their parents were able to do so in the main parking lot.

“I recognize that today’s events caused significant concern. Lockdowns understandably evoke fear,” Graham wrote in the email. “As a principal and parent, I place the highest priority on our school community’s safety and my staff and I are honored to partner with you in your child’s education. I apologize for any unnecessary alarm caused by today’s events and appreciate your understanding.”