Abington School District uploaded Friday night’s much-anticipated football game between Abington and Cheltenham high schools to its Youtube channel, and The Philadelphia Inquirer has covered the incident which caused the game to be suspended.
With 1 minute, 49 seconds left in the third quarter (approximately 2:00:00 in the video below), a Cheltenham High School safety team member approached a referee to inform him that a firearm had been spotted in the stadium. The players then left the field, and an announcer informed the crowd that the game had been canceled.
“Details will follow. Please leave the stadium, thank you for coming,” the announcer said.
According to a post on Cheltenham School District’s Facebook page, the game will be resumed at an unspecified date. From Cheltenham’s superintendent, Dr. Brian W. Scriven:
“This most recent event is an indicator that we need to proactively educate our community with respect to our policies on weapon possession on school property,” Scriven told The Inquirer in an emailed statement. “As a district, there has been no dialogue regarding metal detectors; however, I can see that topic being broached as we collectively determine what’s in our best interest for keeping a safe and orderly environment.”
The Inquirer’s article mentions posts from the Facebook group Cheltenham Township Residents, some of which include:
Unfortunately, this is not the first time this has happened. This past spring, I (along with other parents) witnessed guns on the Myers school yard three times. I informed the principal and the superintendent. My concerns were disregarded. I’m concerned for my children who attend district schools including the high school. I want answers about how the district plans to address this.”
“The kids only do what the adults around them are doing. Ruining an immature kid’s school year because he did something stupid seems extreme. Arrest his parents for neglect and endangerment. That seems more appropriate to me. Then get to the polls and vote for anyone who is for responsible gun control.”
“The Principle of CHS, The Superintendent, The School Board, the Cheltenham Commissioners and Police Chief must call a meeting with the CHS students and parents to discuss this issue. They must make it CLEAR that Carrying guns to school or any school event is strictly forbidden and will result in immediate expulsion. They must be FIRM and CLEAR in their communication. Zero tolerance for this kind of behavior.
Posts on the Cheltenham School District Facebook page include:
Was this kid acting alone or with friends? What was the intent? Not even sure I want to send my kid to school on Monday”
“My daughter went to watch the game. I just picked her up. She said it was pretty scary. I’m glad the firearm person is in custody.
The Inquirer’s article goes on to detail incidents during high school football games which have resulted in fatal shootings, and notes that an investigation continues by Abington police and the school district.
The incident caught the attention of CBS News, 6ABC, and NBC10, among others.
For the full story by The Inquirer, you can click here. For our previous coverage, you can click here.
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