PJMS goes on lockdown after reports of individual with weapon nearby

Nearly halfway through the ‘Drive Your Tractor to Work’ parade, Palmer Police and the Alaska State Troopers, with support from the Wasilla Police Department responded to reports of two people walking toward Palmer Junior Middle School (PJMS), one of whom appeared to be carrying a weapon, putting the nearby Palmer Junior Middle School on temporary lockdown.

In a statement sent to PJMS parents from Principal Brad Allen, there was an individual seen on the streets near the vicinity of the Palmer Courthouse, approximately 1 mile from PJMS, and not far from the parade route.

“As a result of this information, PJMS went on a full lockdown with students and staff sheltered in place in their classrooms,” the statement said.

MSBSD Chief Communications Officer Jillian Morrissey said that the school district coordinated with other Palmer schools, including Palmer High School, Academy Charter, Swanson, and Sherrod Elementary Schools, making them aware of the situation while notifying families.

“School safety is our top priority and we appreciate the support of law enforcement in our ongoing effort to ensure the safety of students, staff and families of all our MSBSD schools,” Morrissey wrote.

After confirming the safety of students and staff at PJMS, Palmer Police received different information that the two individuals were seen further away than initially reported, closer to the Palmer Courthouse, which is near the heart of the town. Officers in the area then responded to the Sherrod and Swanson Elementary Schools, as well as Palmer High School.

Morrissey said that MSBSD also stayed in contact with the schools, monitoring the situation, and once the law enforcement conducted a search, said that normal activities could resume.

In a social media post, the Palmer Police said that after a thorough search and after speaking to multiple individuals who had matched the descriptions provided, “no threat could be substantiated.”

Meanwhile, some social media users criticized people reporting the calls into the police as overreactions to people carrying a weapon, but most parents and residents were thankful for the quick response.

Throughout the day, the doors at PJMS remained locked with frequent safety checks to ensure only persons entering the school are known to the staff.

“The Palmer Police would like to thank the very quick response from the Alaska State Troopers and Wasilla Police Department to help keep our community safe.”