Seattle Police Respond to Social Media Threats Allegedly Targeting Garfield High School Students

The school had already announced enhanced security measures before the reports surfaced, including a stronger police presence and additional safety protocols. These steps followed faculty reports that a small group of non-students — estimated to be three to four individuals — entered the campus last week wearing ski masks. There were no confirmed confrontations or injuries, and it remains unclear whether the individuals were armed.

Seattle Public Schools has also introduced a district-wide “visitor management system” this spring, aimed at improving campus security through surveillance enhancements and increased coordination with private security and SPD.

Garfield High School has been grappling with the aftermath of recent gun violence affecting its students. Just last week, senior Salvador “Junior” Granillo, a member of the Class of 2025, was fatally shot at a late-night gathering in Yakima. His death comes less than a year after 17-year-old Amarr Murphy-Paine was killed during a lunchtime altercation in the school’s parking lot in June 2023.

While the latest threats have not led to any reported incidents or arrests, SPD continues to monitor the situation closely, urging the public to report any suspicious activity.