Six people were injured in a violent stabbing incident at Foss High School in Tacoma, Washington, on Thursday. The Washington school stabbing left five victims hospitalized and triggered a large emergency response from police and school officials.
Authorities said a student has been charged with multiple counts of first-degree assault. The suspect is accused of attacking several people during a lunchtime incident on campus. Police said four victims were initially in critical condition after being stabbed or cut, while another person and a school security guard were also injured.
Officials later confirmed that all six victims, including four students and one adult staff member, were in stable condition by Friday. The suspect also suffered minor injuries and was taken into custody after receiving medical treatment.
The Washington school stabbing reportedly began after a fight between students. Police said first responders were called to the school at lunchtime after reports of violence. The situation quickly escalated, forcing school staff to act fast to protect students.
A spokesperson for Tacoma police said the incident started as a student dispute. Some reports suggested the conflict may have been linked to a vaping device battery. However, authorities have not fully confirmed the cause.
Witnesses described chaos inside the school. Students said they saw blood and panic during the attack. One student told local media that videos of the fight spread quickly among classmates, increasing fear across the school.
The school was immediately placed on lockdown after the stabbing. Officials later evacuated the campus to ensure student safety. All classes and after-school activities were cancelled until the following Monday.
School officials said counselors and additional staff would be present when students returned. They said the focus would be on emotional support and recovery after the violent incident.
The Washington school stabbing has raised concerns among parents and the local community. Some parents questioned how a small dispute could turn into a violent attack inside a school environment.
Police confirmed that the suspect, a juvenile student, was booked into Pierce County jail on five counts of first-degree assault. It was not immediately clear whether the suspect remained in custody later that day.
Investigators have not yet released details about the weapon used in the attack. The case is still under active investigation as authorities review evidence and witness statements.
School officials said they were grateful for the quick response of staff and emergency services. They said their actions helped prevent further harm during the incident.
Tacoma Public Schools said students were reunited with their families shortly after the evacuation. The district said safety remains its top priority and promised full cooperation with law enforcement.
Foss High School, where the Washington school stabbing took place, has around 557 students. The school is located about 40 miles south of Seattle.
The campus has a difficult history. In 2007, the school was the site of a fatal shooting in which one student killed another in a hallway. That incident led to a long prison sentence for the attacker.
This latest stabbing has renewed concerns about school safety in the United States. Incidents of violence on school campuses continue to raise questions about security, student conflict, and prevention measures.
Experts say quick intervention by staff and emergency responders likely helped prevent more serious injuries in this case. However, the emotional impact on students and teachers is expected to last longer.
Counseling support is now being prepared for students returning to school. Officials say the goal is to help the school community recover and restore a sense of safety.
The Washington school stabbing remains under investigation, and further updates are expected as authorities gather more information about what led to the attack.
