Student Shot Inside Wootton High School, Suspect Arrested

Shooting incident prompts lockdown and police response at Rockville high school

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

A student was shot and wounded inside Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville, Maryland on Monday afternoon. Another student was quickly identified and arrested as the suspect. The school was placed on lockdown as police responded to the scene.

Why it matters

School shootings continue to be a tragic and concerning issue in communities across the United States. This incident raises questions about campus safety, access to firearms, and the mental health challenges that can lead to such violence.

The details

According to police, officers were dispatched to Wootton High School around 2:15 pm after reports of shots fired. They found a student victim with a single gunshot wound in a school hallway. The injured student was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. The suspect, also a student at the school, was arrested a short time later near the campus. A police dog located the gun used in the shooting.

  • The incident occurred around 2:15 pm on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • The suspect was arrested shortly after the shooting.

The players

Thomas S. Wootton High School

A public high school located in Rockville, Maryland.

Montgomery County Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the shooting incident at Wootton High School.

Rockville City Police

The local police department that assisted in the response to the shooting.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

The federal agency that responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.

Marc Elrich

The Montgomery County Executive who released a statement addressing the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Our thoughts are with the Wootton students, faculty, and their families during this distressing time. Incidents like this are frightening for all involved. Student safety is our highest priority. We will continue to coordinate closely with law enforcement and school officials and will share confirmed information as it becomes available.”

— Marc Elrich, Montgomery County Executive (WTOP)

What’s next

Authorities will continue investigating the shooting incident, including determining the motive and how the student obtained the firearm. The school district and local officials will also likely review campus security protocols in response to the event.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting at Wootton High School is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges schools and communities face in ensuring student safety. While the specific circumstances are still under investigation, incidents like this underscore the need for comprehensive solutions to address gun violence, mental health support, and school security measures.