FORT LEE, New Jersey (WABC) -- A stabbing incident at Fort Lee High School on April 8, 2025, left a male student in critical but stable condition, prompting a swift lockdown and a significant police response. The incident unfolded shortly before 11 a.m. when an emergency call was made by an officer stationed at the school.
According to the Fort Lee Police Department, the victim was stabbed multiple times within the school building located at 3000 Lemoine Ave. and was quickly transported to a nearby hospital. Sources indicate that while the injuries are severe, they are not life-threatening, and the student is expected to recover.
The alleged assailant, also a juvenile and fellow student, was apprehended at the scene and taken into custody. The school went into lockdown immediately following the incident, and security measures remained in place as a precaution while authorities conducted their investigation.
In a message to parents, the school administration reassured them that there was "no immediate threat to the safety of our school community" and that they were cooperating fully with law enforcement. The school's notice added, "Due to the incident, all roads leading to and from Fort Lee High School are closed. Please do not report to the school." This lockdown and the surrounding road closures created a tense atmosphere as parents rushed to ensure the safety of their children.
As police vehicles blocked off entrances to the school, many parents gathered nearby, anxious for updates. One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed her concern, saying, "I was scared when my daughter texted me. I just wanted to pick her up." Another parent, Winnie, felt reassured by the school's response, stating, "I think Fort Lee is safe. The town and the school. My daughter texted me she was OK."
The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office and the Fort Lee Police Department are currently leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the stabbing. Deputy Chief of Detectives Jeff Angermeyer confirmed that authorities are working diligently to piece together what led to this violent incident.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this shocking event, school officials have communicated that classes would be canceled for the remainder of the day, and students would be dismissed in a staggered manner starting at 2 p.m. Parents were instructed to pick up their children on North Central Road at the circle behind the high school, with no pickups allowed on Lemoine Ave.
This incident at Fort Lee High School comes less than a month after a similar stabbing incident near New Milford High School, raising concerns about student safety in the area. Local law enforcement has urged the public to avoid the vicinity of the school as investigations continue.
As of 12:45 p.m. on the same day, the victim was reported to be in critical but stable condition, and officials are hopeful for his recovery. The Fort Lee Board of Education has committed to keeping parents informed as more details become available.
In light of this incident, community leaders are calling for discussions on school safety and preventive measures to ensure that students can learn in a secure environment. The Fort Lee High School community, alongside local officials, is now faced with the difficult task of healing and addressing the root causes of such violence.
Authorities have not yet disclosed what may have triggered the attack, and as the investigation unfolds, many are left wondering how to prevent such tragic events in the future. The Fort Lee High School stabbing serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding youth violence and the importance of community vigilance.
As this story develops, updates will be provided, and the Fort Lee community is encouraged to remain supportive of one another during this challenging time.
