On May 1, 2026, at 12:15 pm, the Lancaster City Police responded to Washington Elementary School after receiving a report of a potential threat. Officers immediately responded to the scene in coordination with the Lancaster Safety Coalition and deployed a drone to canvas the area. As a precaution, the school was placed on lockdown.

Following a thorough investigation, the report was determined to be unfounded. There is no threat to the school or the community.

The lockdown has since been lifted, and normal operations have resumed. The Lancaster City police take all reports of potential threats seriously and appreciate the cooperation of school staff and the Lancaster Safety Coalition during the response.