Update: The Secret Service responded to the scene instead of the Metropolitan Police Department. Please note that this story was originally published on June 7, 2024, at 11:29 a.m. and was later updated at 12:15 p.m.
After the recent commencement at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., fights broke out among members of the school community, which has led to the principal of John F. Kennedy High School in Silver Spring reprimanding those involved.
In a letter addressed to families, Principal Vickie Adamson disclosed that after the Kennedy High School graduation ceremony held at the hall situated at 1776 D St. NW, there were “several fights” that broke out on the building’s steps. The altercation involved not only recent graduates but also adults and members of the community.
As per the letter, the school personnel made efforts to control the conflicts, but their attempts were futile. Additionally, Adamson pointed out that the District police were contacted, but they faced a delay in reaching the location, presumably due to the heavy traffic in the area.
According to the letter, the officers who arrived at the scene separated the individuals involved and collected their statements. The incident is now considered a “police matter,” and legal action will be taken if deemed necessary by the authorities.
On Friday afternoon, MoCo360 was informed by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that it was Secret Service officers who responded to the incident, not MPD officers.
MoCo360 attempted to reach out to the Secret Service for comment via email and phone calls on Friday afternoon, but did not receive an immediate response.
With the assistance of Tarik Harris, a restorative justice instructional specialist with MCPS’ Department of Student Engagement, Behavioral Health and Academics, the school intends to introduce restorative practices to all of its students, as mentioned by the spokesperson.
MoCo360 received an email from Chris Cram, the spokesperson for MCPS, expressing disappointment in the actions of some students and adults following the John F. Kennedy High School graduation. Cram stated that these individuals had marred an otherwise celebratory atmosphere.
Adamson plans on contacting families to provide them with more resources and encourage the school community to engage in mediation as a means of effectively resolving conflicts.
