Five Stabbed at Tacoma High School; Suspect in Custody

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — At least five people were stabbed at Foss High School Wednesday evening, prompting a massive law enforcement response and the temporary closure of the campus.

The incident occurred shortly before 5 p.m. local time, sending students and staff into lockdown as police rushed to the scene. Emergency crews transported the injured to nearby hospitals. Authorities have not released the identities of the victims or the extent of their injuries, though officials described the situation as critical during the initial response.

A suspect has been taken into custody by Tacoma Police Department officers. The suspect is currently being held at the county jail pending further investigation. Police have not released the suspect's name or age, nor have they disclosed a motive for the attack. Investigators are working to determine the relationship between the suspect and the victims.

Foss High School, located in the Hilltop neighborhood of Tacoma, serves approximately 1,000 students. The campus remained closed for the remainder of Wednesday and Thursday as investigators processed the scene and officials assessed safety protocols. School district officials held a press conference late Wednesday evening to address the community, urging parents to monitor social media for misinformation.

"Our primary focus is on the safety and well-being of our students and staff," said a district spokesperson. "We are cooperating fully with law enforcement to understand what happened and to ensure it does not happen again."

Witnesses described chaos in the hallways as students were evacuated. Some reported hearing multiple screams before the lockdown was initiated. First responders treated several individuals at the scene before transporting them to medical facilities. The school's main entrance was cordoned off with yellow tape, and heavy police presence remained visible throughout the night.

The attack marks a significant escalation of violence in the region, drawing comparisons to previous school incidents across the state. Local officials have called for a community meeting to be held on Friday to address concerns and provide updates. Mental health resources have been made available to students and families affected by the event.

As of Thursday morning, no further details have been released regarding the suspect's background or the circumstances leading up to the stabbing. Police have stated that the investigation is ongoing and that more information will be provided as it becomes available. The school district has not yet announced a return-to-school date for Foss High School.

Questions remain regarding the suspect's intent and whether additional individuals may be involved. Authorities have urged the public to come forward with any information that could assist in the investigation. The community awaits further clarity as the situation continues to develop.