BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Shelter-in-place orders were issued at several Brooklyn schools Tuesday as police searched for the gunman in a Sunset Park subway station shooting.
New York State Education Department officials said all schools “in the area” were subject to the shelter order out of an abundance of caution, reports Chalkbeat. They did not disclose how many schools were impacted but emails from two principals said that all schools in District 15 were sheltering in place.
The shelter-in-place was issued around 8:30 a.m. when a gunman, wearing a gas mask and orange construction vest, threw smoke bombs on a crowded train and opened fire, shooting 10 people and injuring more than a dozen. Five patients remain in critical but stable condition. The suspect, identified as 62-year-old Frank R. James, was arrested Wednesday afternoon.
The shooting happened within blocks of several schools, including Sunset Park High School.
“Following the incident this morning in Sunset Park, out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of our students we have placed all schools in the area in a shelter-in-place,” Schools Chancellor David Banks said in a statement. “We are working closely with NYPD and school leadership to ensure that every school has the supports they need as we work to ensure the safety of our school communities. We will share updates as they become available. My thoughts go out to the victims of this tragedy.”
The majority of schools lifted the order by mid-afternoon. The shelter-in-place remained in effect until dismissal at PS 24, Sunset Park High School, PS 371, Little Brooklyn Pre-K Center on 25th Street, and Little Brooklyn Pre-K Center. Additional police and school safety agents were stationed at the schools to “provide extra support for a safe transition home,” DOE officials said.
Some after-school programs were also canceled, citing safety concerns and transit disruptions, according to The Gothamist. Students who use the subway to get home were directed to use MTA shuttle buses instead.
“Some of our children were on that train,” said Camille Casaretti, president of District 15’s Community Education Council, an advisory group made up of mostly parents. “Our community is going to need a lot of support.”
DOE Security Director Mark Rampersant said students can expect schools to “show them love” and school safety agents will be available to do “temperature checks” as students return.
