AUSTIN, Texas — One student has been "apprehended" and another is hospitalized after a stabbing at Covington Middle School and Fine Arts Academy in South Austin Thursday morning.
In an initial letter to the community, Principal Cedric Maddox said that at approximately 9:10 a.m., the school on Convict Hill Road was evacuated because a fire alarm was activated in the art wing. Maddox said that while there is an active investigation into the alarm, Austin ISD Police believe it was activated by a smoke bomb.
Maddox also said at that time that the administration was "aware of a student altercation that occurred within moments of the smoke alarm activation," but it was unclear if the incidents were connected.
In an updated letter to the community Thursday afternoon, Maddox said that officers "apprehended the student involved" in the altercation and confirmed that another student had been stabbed. Austin-Travis County EMS medics responded and took that student to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Maddox said officials swept the campus and determined it was safe, though the art wing will remain closed off as the investigation continues. He also said Covington is working directly with the families of the students involved, but to protect the integrity of the investigation and the privacy of the students, he is unable to share additional information.
"I recognize that it can feel unsettling to have so little information. I want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority," Maddox wrote. "Counselors are working directly with the students who witnessed the incident and will be communicating with their families. We have additional mental health professionals at our campus to work with
students and staff as needed."
Maddox said parents and guardians can contact the front office to be connected with the counseling team if they believe their child needs support. He also welcomed any community members who have questions to email him at cedric.maddox@austinisd.org.