​’Where is the staff?’: Teen stabbed at West Potomac High School in Virginia, graphic footage floods social media​

Content warning: This article links to graphic footage shared on social media. Please take care while reading.

A 16-year-old student is hospitalized, and a 15-year-old is in custody after a violent altercation at West Potomac High School in Fairfax County, Virginia. Witnesses captured the incident on video, which quickly spread across social media.

Three students fought in a school hallway around 9:40 a.m. on April 23, 2025, and a 16-year-old victim was stabbed. ​The victim sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Initially reported as life-threatening, the student’s condition has since been stabilized, WTOP reported.

Police arrested the suspect at the scene

Heres the very latest from West Potomac High School in Belle Haven, Fairfax County.

Student stabbed and in stable condition. Another student arrested and will be charged with malicious wounding. 3rd student involved but not injured and not expected to be charged. #Fox5DC pic.twitter.com/CgL5iSPBbY

— David Kaplan (@DKaplanFox5DC) April 23, 2025

Police apprehended the 15-year-old suspect at the scene, who is now facing charges of malicious wounding. Authorities questioned a third student involved in the altercation. That student is not expected to face charges. ​

Students captured graphic footage of the incident, which has rapidly circulated on social media, prompting widespread concern among parents and community members. The videos depict the chaotic scene, with students reacting in shock as the altercation unfolds. ​

Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid addressed the incident, stating, “While there’s a sense, obviously, of shock that this would happen at West Potomac High School, I’m very proud of the response of our staff to this incident. They responded quickly and admirably and may have saved a life today.” ​

Violence has no place in our schools

Officers are on scene of a stabbing at West Potomac High School in Belle Haven.
A teenager was taken to the hospital w/ injuries considered to be life-threatening. Officers have the teenage male suspect in custody. Detectives are on scene investigating. pic.twitter.com/4XDNTfxsvA

— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) April 23, 2025

School officials briefly placed the school on lockdown, which has since been lifted. Classes have resumed under heightened security measures, and counseling services are being provided to students and staff. 

This incident comes shortly after Fairfax County Public Schools initiated a pilot program to install weapon detection systems at select schools, including Thomas A. Edison High School. The program aims to enhance safety measures across the district. 

David Walrod, president of the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers, expressed concern, stating, “Violence has no place in our schools, which must remain a place of safety for all students and FCPS workers. Our thoughts are with the victim, and we wish them a full recovery.” 

As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. The community remains on edge as discussions about school safety and preventive measures intensify.​