UPDATE: Butterfield Elementary Unlocks Its Doors After Lockdown

A lockdown at Butterfield Elementary School in Maricopa was lifted at 12:15 p.m. on November 21, 2024, following a police investigation that revealed no ongoing threat to students.

According to school officials, the investigation was prompted by a report of a weapon on campus. During the search, police discovered an empty gun magazine but confirmed that there was no active threat. Maricopa Unified School District spokesperson Mishell Terry emphasized the precautionary nature of the lockdown.

Prior to the lockdown being lifted, approximately eight police vehicles responded to the situation on Honeycutt and Donithan Roads. Police have not disclosed the exact type of weapon involved, nor whether any weapon was recovered.

Monica Williams, spokesperson for the Maricopa Police Department, reassured the public, stating, “There is currently no threat to the school community.” Although the school enforced the lockdown, parents began arriving at 11:30 a.m. to pick up their children as the situation unfolded.

This incident highlights the importance of swift communication and action in ensuring the safety of students. The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as they become available. Kylie Werner contributed to this report.