14-Year-Old Girl Stabbed at Gompers Elementary–Middle School: Parent and Student in Custody, Security Failures Under Investigation
DETROIT, MI – A violent incident inside Gompers Elementary–Middle School has sparked outrage across Detroit after a 14-year-old girl was stabbed multiple times on Wednesday morning, prompting a multi-agency investigation and raising urgent questions about school safety and accountability.
According to Detroit police, the assault occurred shortly after classes began, inside the school located near Burt Road and Interstate 96. The victim sustained stab wounds to the neck and shoulder and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she is now listed in stable condition.
The shocking nature of the attack — and the circumstances that enabled it — have left families, educators, and community members deeply shaken.
Weapon Brought to School by Parent
In a joint statement released by the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) and the Detroit Police Department, officials confirmed that the suspect — also a 14-year-old student — used a small knife that was brought onto campus by their parent. The parent reportedly entered the school with the weapon, triggering the school’s metal detector, but no physical search was conducted by the on-duty security guard.
Authorities say the parent then handed the knife to their child, who later attacked another student inside the building.
Both the student suspect and the parent have been taken into custody and are facing charges. While the identities of those involved have not been released due to their ages and the ongoing investigation, police confirmed that charges are likely to include felonious assault and weapons possession on school property, among others.
Breakdown in Security
The on-duty security guard, who failed to conduct the required follow-up search after the metal detector was triggered, has been removed from duty pending the outcome of an internal investigation. DPSCD officials say disciplinary actions, including possible termination, are being considered.
“This is a completely preventable tragedy that stems from a clear breach in security protocol,” said a DPSCD spokesperson. “We are taking this matter with the utmost seriousness and will take immediate action to correct any failures in policy or procedure.”
School security policy mandates that any time a metal detector is triggered, security personnel must conduct a physical search of the individual and their belongings. In this case, that protocol was ignored — with devastating consequences.
Parents Sound Alarm Over Growing Violence
In the hours following the attack, parents and community members gathered outside Gompers Elementary–Middle School, demanding answers and swift action from school officials.
Many parents say this was not an isolated incident, and claim that fights and threats of violence are becoming more common at the school.
One mother, who spoke with Channel2 NOW, said her daughter — a close friend of the victim — had received threats from the suspect the night before and reported them to school staff.
“My daughter and other students told staff about the threats last night, and I even spoke with the principal myself,” the mother said. “Too many times we’re not being informed about what’s happening with our children, and it needs to stop. A student was able to walk past security and through a metal detector with a knife — that’s unacceptable.”
Her concerns were echoed by other parents who spoke at the scene, many of whom urged the district to implement stronger safety measures, including additional staff training, better threat assessment, and more transparent communication with families.
School Closes Amid Safety Review
In response to the incident, DPSCD announced that Gompers Elementary–Middle School will be closed on Thursday, October 9, to allow time for the district to conduct a comprehensive safety review.
District officials said they are evaluating existing security protocols, staff conduct, and student threat reporting procedures. DPSCD also pledged to enhance communication with families and share updates directly as new details emerge.
“The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority,” the district said in a statement. “We understand that incidents like this shake a community’s trust, and we are committed to rebuilding that trust through transparency, accountability, and real reform.”
Ongoing Investigations
The Detroit Police Department and the DPSCD Office of School Safety are jointly investigating the incident. Investigators are looking into:
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How the parent was able to pass the knife to their child inside the building
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The failure of the on-site security guard to follow metal detector protocols
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The extent to which previous threats were reported and addressed by school staff
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Whether additional safeguards could have prevented the attack
Police have also confirmed that surveillance footage is being reviewed, and that witnesses, including students and staff, are being interviewed.
Community Demands Long-Term Change
For many parents, Wednesday’s stabbing is just the latest example of a troubling rise in school violence, not only in Detroit but across the country. The incident has reignited calls for:
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More rigorous student behavioral threat assessments
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Improved mental health services in schools
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Mandatory training for all staff on handling threats and violent behavior
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Better security infrastructure and enforcement of protocols
“We cannot wait for another child to get hurt — or worse — before we act,” said Detroit City Councilwoman Latisha Warren, who visited the school following the incident. “This must be the turning point.”
What’s Next
The 14-year-old victim remains hospitalized and is expected to recover physically, but questions remain about long-term trauma, both for her and her peers who witnessed the attack. School officials say counselors and crisis support teams will be available on campus when school resumes.
Legal proceedings against the student suspect and their parent are expected to begin this week.
This is a developing story. DPSCD and the Detroit Police Department have pledged to provide additional updates as the investigation continues.
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