Miami Schools Locked Down After Hoax Gun Threat

On the morning of February 4, 2026, Christopher Columbus High School in Southwest Miami-Dade became the center of a tense and rapidly unfolding emergency after a call reported a potential armed person on campus. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO) and its Priority Response Team were dispatched immediately, launching a comprehensive search of not only Columbus High but also the nearby St. Brendan Catholic Church and its school campuses. The incident, which would soon be determined to be a hoax, sparked fear, confusion, and a massive law enforcement response, as reported by multiple local and national news outlets, including WSVN, CBS News Miami, Hindustan Times, and WPLG Local10.com.

The first signs of trouble emerged just after 10:30 a.m. when Columbus High received a phone call from an individual claiming to be locked inside a cafeteria closet because someone was on campus with a gun. The report was serious enough that school officials wasted no time in notifying law enforcement and initiating a lockdown. According to WSVN, “Police responded promptly, thoroughly investigated the situation, and have confirmed that there is no threat.”

As word spread, the sense of urgency escalated. The MDSO, along with its Priority Response Team, swept through both Christopher Columbus High School and St. Brendan, searching every corner for any sign of danger. Assistant Sheriff Brian Rafky addressed anxious parents who had gathered outside the campuses, assuring them, “Our top officers are checking right now and they have not found anything… We are leaving no stone unturned to make sure the children are safe,” as reported by CBS News Miami.

Sky cameras captured the dramatic scene: deputies with weapons drawn, roads closed, and dozens of parents waiting nervously for news. The lockdown extended to St. Brendan Elementary and its church, as authorities sought to ensure the safety of everyone in the vicinity. The Archdiocese of Miami confirmed the lockdowns, and St. Brendan Elementary’s principal emailed families that students and staff were safe.

Inside the schools, the atmosphere was tense. Students sheltered in place, some communicating with their parents via text. One parent, Barbara Martin, told CBS News Miami, “It’s so scary. Your hands are tied, and you’re thinking of, you know, what could happen? What’s the possibility of, you know, something being serious. Thankfully it was a joke or whatever. I don’t know. I’m just super nervous right now.” Another parent, George Murio, shared, “I have a little one at St. Brendan’s and you realize like a parent you have to calm down the little boy and start calling him and this is a sad reality of life today. It just sucks that kids have to experience this this way.”

Emergency responders, including Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, were on hand to assist. According to WSVN, two students suffered minor injuries while running during the emergency response, and a third was treated for stress and possible dehydration. Paramedics were seen entering the school with a stretcher, underscoring the gravity of the situation, even as it became clear that the threat was not real.

By about 11:52 a.m., after a meticulous sweep of both campuses, the MDSO announced that the lockdown at Christopher Columbus High School had been lifted. The reports of an armed person were determined to be unfounded. “There was no active shooter and no threat was found,” the MDSO confirmed in an update. Rafky later added, “We were able to clear the high school and St. Brendan’s as well ensuring everyone is safe.”

Classes at Columbus High were dismissed just after noon. Seniors were released at 12:10 p.m., with underclassmen allowed to be picked up beginning at 12:20 p.m., as detailed in a message from the school staff to families. Southwest 87th Avenue, which had been closed during the incident, remained shut as of 1 p.m. but was expected to reopen soon.

In the aftermath, school officials expressed their gratitude for the rapid and thorough response. In a statement, the principal and president of Columbus High said, “We are grateful for the swift response of law enforcement and thank our students, staff and families for their patience and cooperation.” The school also reassured parents, stating, “We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we followed all safety protocols to ensure the well-being of our students and staff. Thank you for your continued trust and support.”

While the relief was palpable, the incident left lingering questions and concerns. The MDSO and its Homeland Security Bureau have launched an investigation to determine how the call was initiated and to identify the person responsible. Rafky emphasized the seriousness of making false reports, warning, “People can be arrested for false reports.” An MDSO spokesperson echoed these sentiments, stating that making hoax calls is “very dangerous,” and that authorities are actively searching for the individual responsible, who could face significant criminal charges.

The event also highlighted the emotional toll such incidents take on students, parents, and school staff. Parents described the experience as nerve-wracking, with many racing to the school after receiving alarming messages from their children. As George Murio put it, “You have to react the same way whether the threat is real or not.” The reality of modern school life means that even unfounded threats can have a profound psychological impact on those involved.

Throughout the ordeal, law enforcement insisted on thoroughness and transparency, briefing parents and keeping the public informed through updates and press statements. The swift resolution and the absence of a real threat brought relief, but also served as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by schools and communities in an era where hoax calls can trigger widespread panic and disruption.

As the investigation continues, officials are determined to hold the perpetrator accountable and to reinforce the message that such false alarms are not only illegal but can have serious, unintended consequences for everyone involved.

For the students, staff, and families of Christopher Columbus High School and St. Brendan, February 4, 2026, will be remembered as a day of anxiety, rapid response, and ultimately, relief. The community’s resilience and the professionalism of first responders ensured that a potentially tragic situation ended safely, albeit with a renewed awareness of the vulnerabilities schools face in today’s world.