Beaufort, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Beaufort Middle School and Mossy Oaks Elementary School were placed on secure status due to concerns over potential weapon possession. The action was initiated after an incident at Beaufort Middle led to police investigation. Meanwhile, a student at Battery Creek High School was charged after a kitchen knife and vaping devices were found in his possession. These incidents highlight ongoing concerns regarding weapon safety in schools, prompting increased security measures in the district.
Beaufort – Two Beaufort schools, Beaufort Middle School and Mossy Oaks Elementary School, were placed on secure status on Thursday afternoon due to a reported concern regarding potential weapon possession. This decision followed an incident that prompted a police response around 1:46 p.m. at Beaufort Middle School, where local law enforcement conducted an investigation.
While the investigation at Beaufort Middle School was underway, the school entered a hold status, while Mossy Oaks Elementary School was secured out of precaution. Both schools were able to resume normal operations once the investigation concluded and no immediate threat was identified.
In a separate incident, a student at Battery Creek High School was charged with bringing a kitchen knife with an approximately 4-inch blade onto the school grounds. The student was discovered selling candy from his bag, which is a violation of school policy, leading administrators to conduct a safety search. During the search, the knife and three vaping devices were found in his possession. The student reportedly expressed that “people were out to get him,” suggesting a sentiment of feeling set up.
As a result of the discovery, a school resource officer placed the student in handcuffs, and after the student’s mother arrived at the school, a petition was filed to family court. This incident is particularly concerning as it marks the second case of weapon possession at Battery Creek High School within the semester. The previous case involved a loaded pistol that was found in a student’s backpack on August 27, which also led to the school’s campus being placed under “secure status.”
The Beaufort County School District follows a strict policy regarding weapon possession on school grounds. According to this policy, any student found with a weapon will be referred to law enforcement and may face consequences in accordance with state law, including potential expulsion for firearms. In light of these recent events, extra law enforcement personnel have been stationed at Battery Creek High School’s campus to enhance security and ensure student safety.
Recent Incidents Summary
- Date: Thursday afternoon
- Schools Involved: Beaufort Middle School and Mossy Oaks Elementary School
- Trigger for Secure Status: Reported concern regarding weapon possession
- Battery Creek High School Incidents:
- Current Incident: Kitchen knife found, student charged
- Previous Incident: Loaded pistol found on August 27
- Consequences: Referral to police and potential expulsion for firearms as per school district policy
Background Context
Concerns regarding weapon possession in schools have prompted significant attention across the nation in recent years, with many districts reinforcing security measures to safeguard students. Beaufort County School District’s approach reflects an ongoing commitment to maintaining safety in educational environments. The latest incidents at Battery Creek High School highlight the necessity of vigilance and adherence to established safety protocols within schools.
FAQ Section
What event prompted the secure status at Beaufort schools?
Two Beaufort schools, Beaufort Middle School and Mossy Oaks Elementary School, were placed on secure status due to a reported concern regarding potential weapon possession.
What specific incident occurred at Battery Creek High School?
A student at Battery Creek High School was charged with bringing a kitchen knife with an approximately 4-inch blade onto school grounds while also possessing three vaping devices.
What does the Beaufort County School District policy state regarding weapons on school grounds?
The policy states that any student bringing a weapon onto school grounds will be referred to police and face consequences under state law, including potential expulsion for firearms.
Has there been a previous incident of weapon possession at Battery Creek High School?
Yes, the earlier incident occurred on August 27, when a loaded pistol was found in a student’s backpack, leading to the same school’s campus being placed under “secure status.”
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | Thursday afternoon |
| Schools Involved | Beaufort Middle School, Mossy Oaks Elementary School |
| Reason for Secure Status | Reported concern regarding weapon possession |
| Weapons Found | Kitchen knife and three vaping devices |
| Policy on Weapons | Referral to police and possible expulsion |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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82-Year-Old Woman Charged with Murder in Shooting Incident
Search for Missing Teen in Beaufort, SC
Beaufort Student Arrested for Bringing Pistol to School
Race for Beaufort County Sheriff Intensifies
Bluffton Authorities Investigate Alarming Incidents
Student Arrested for Bringing Loaded Pistol to Beaufort High School
Local Students Recognized for Academic Excellence
Student Detained After Bringing Firearm to Beaufort High School
Student Detained After Firearm Found at Beaufort School
Additional Resources
- WTOC: 2 Beaufort schools resume normal operations after reported concern
- Wikipedia: School Security
- YourIslandNews: Student arrested for gun at Battery Creek High School
- Google Search: Beaufort school security
- WCTI12: Beaufort County schools to install metal detectors in schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Safety
- Island Packet: Beaufort County School District policy on weapons
- Google News: Beaufort County School District weapon policy
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
