Shooting at Westwood Elementary School

Police in Waynesboro, Virginia, investigated a shooting at Westwood Elementary School on Wednesday morning that left one person injured, according to multiple reports. The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office said all students, teachers, and staff were safely evacuated from the school, and authorities contained the incident and secured the school by about 10:23 a.m.

The sheriff’s office issued a news release confirming the evacuation but initially did not specify the type of emergency, and a Waynesboro police dispatcher said no further details were available at the time. One report noted that the Staunton News Leader had reported police were responding to a shooting, later confirmed by Augusta Health in Fishersville, though details were not immediately available.

Video from local media showed several emergency vehicles outside the school. Students were reunited with their parents at the fellowship hall of nearby Westminster Presbyterian Church, according to Waynesboro assistant schools superintendent Ryan Barber.

Officials Respond

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger said on social media that she was monitoring the emergency at Westwood Hills Elementary School. "My heart is with these young students, their parents and families, and the teachers and staff at the school," she wrote. "Thank you to the first responders who are assisting at the scene. Augusta County and Waynesboro law enforcement and schools are continuing to provide updated guidance to community members."

Waynesboro is located about 96 miles northwest of Richmond. The investigation was ongoing as of Wednesday morning, and authorities have not released further details about the injured person or any potential suspect.