Principal on administrative leave after 'shocking,' 'very upsetting' active shooter drill

SAN GABRIEL, CA - Reports from the Los Angeles suburb of San Gabriel have revealed that a local elementary school principal has been placed on leave after she allegedly conducted an active-shooter drill, during which her actions were described as "shocking," "surprising," and "very upsetting."

According to KTLA, Principal Nina Denson of Washington Elementary in San Gabriel has been placed on administrative leave following witness reports of an active shooter drill in which the principal appeared to participate as a simulated assailant. As reports of her conduct during the drill spread, parents and children reportedly became upset.

One parent, Jennifer Chavez, told the outlet that Denson "proceeded to walk around campus and pretended to shoot people she saw using finger movements and banging on windows." She continued, "From what I heard, she said to one of the students, ‘Boom. You’re dead.'" 

The principal also allegedly pounded on several classroom windows while children were simulating sheltering in place.

Some of the children involved were as young as four years old.

Anna Bustamante, another parent, told reporters, "Can you imagine the trauma these children potentially could go through just thinking, ‘Oh my God, my friend was killed’ or ‘I was shot and told I died.' At the young age that these children are, it was very upsetting."

At the conclusion of the drill, Denson reportedly told the staff and students on the public address system that seven students had died.

Superintendent of the San Gabriel Unified School District Jim Symonds confirmed to The LA Times that the incident did occur in a statement Friday. He said, “After an initial investigation, the District determined that the drill did not appear to be conducted in line with either district guidance or recommended best practices.”

Denson is now on a leave of absence pending the outcome of an investigation by the district. A teacher at the school, Katie Ingram, is serving as administrative designee in her absence, Symonds told reporters.

The Superintendent declined to comment further except to say, “We deeply regret the impact that has been caused, and appreciate everyone’s patience as we conduct our investigation." He also said counseling is available for students and parents who were disturbed by the event.

An email was reportedly sent to parents saying, in part, "The conduct of the drill does not appear to have been in line with District protocols or best practices." One of the parents interviewed indicated she wants Denson removed from her role. Chavez told KTLA, “I don’t want her back here at all. She does not have the trust of the community.”