Santa Cruz Lockdown Sparks Panic Over False Gunfire Reports

Santa Cruz Elementary School entered a brief lockdown today following reports of possible shots fired in the vicinity. The incident occurred on April 28, 2025, prompting immediate action from school officials.

With guidance from the Maricopa Police Department, school administration activated lockdown protocols to ensure the safety of students and staff, according to Maricopa Unified School District spokesperson Mishell Terry.

Upon investigation, law enforcement determined that the noises were fireworks, not gunfire. Principal Stephanie Rhinehart assured families in a message, “All students and staff followed safety procedures, and everyone remained safe inside the building. We have now been given the all clear by law enforcement, and normal activities have resumed.”

Initial notifications sent to families confirmed the lockdown while officials gathered details. The lockdown was lifted soon after police completed their assessment.

This incident is not the first of its kind; residents have experienced similar false alarms. In July, reports of gunfire also turned out to be fireworks, and in October, police responded to three gunshot reports that were, in fact, fireworks as well.

A Nextdoor post this morning noted a strong police presence in neighborhoods around Santa Cruz Elementary where fireworks were reported last night. This sparked debate and concern among residents, but police reassured the public that there was no ongoing threat.

Monica Dominguez, a resident of Desert Cedars, remarked, “I’m Native American and Mexican. Normally, the weekend after Easter, we celebrate with fireworks and piñata … It’s OK…”

The Maricopa Police Department encourages residents to remain vigilant, reminding them that fireworks can easily be mistaken for gunfire, particularly late at night. No injuries were reported from today’s event, and school officials expressed gratitude for the cooperation and understanding shown by families.