QUEENS, NY – A 15-year-old student is in police custody following a stabbing incident that led to the injury of two other teenagers at a high school in Queens, NY, according to authorities. The incident occurred in the afternoon hours on Thursday in a stairwell at Martin Van Buren High School on Hillside Avenue.
The two victims, who are both 17 years old, sustained stab wounds to the shoulder and abdomen. The inflicted injuries were not life-threatening, and they have been reported as being in stable condition.
During the incident, the school entered a lockdown that lasted about an hour, after which students were dismissed. Parents were unsettled about their children’s safety upon their return to school. Some called for the installation of metal detectors to ensure more stringent security measures.
Authorities are yet to determine the exact circumstances that led up to the stabbing incident. The 15-year-old suspect taken into custody has not been charged officially. Meanwhile, the Department of Education has reassured the public of its commitment to student safety, stating that necessary emotional support would be extended to their students.
The Department of Education, in response to the incident, assured, “The safety and wellbeing of our students is our absolute top priority. NYPD immediately responded to an incident at the school.” They also offered emotional support resources to any students in need of it.