A terrifying incident unfolded in the peaceful town of Woodsville, New Hampshire, on Monday, May 5, 2025, when shots were reportedly fired near Woodsville Elementary School, prompting a swift and serious lockdown.
State and local authorities immediately responded to the active shooter report, blocking off the entrance to the school’s parking lot with a heavy police and trooper presence. Troopers were seen guarding all entrances to the school building, and law enforcement officials quickly moved in to ensure the safety of students and staff.
According to early reports, the incident occurred during school hours, triggering immediate emergency protocols. As a precaution, school officials placed Woodsville Elementary on full lockdown. Teachers and staff quickly secured classrooms while students were sheltered in place.
Parents were notified through emergency text alerts and district messaging systems, with many rushing to the scene only to find the area cordoned off and heavily patrolled.
Witnesses described a tense and chaotic scene outside the school. Numerous New Hampshire State Troopers, along with local police officers, were seen swarming the campus. Armed officers took positions around the school perimeter, and access to the building was strictly restricted as law enforcement searched the area for any threats.
As of the latest update, police have not confirmed any injuries, but the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not yet announced if a suspect has been apprehended or if there is an active threat still at large. The motive and details surrounding the shot or shots fired remain unclear, and officials are working to determine whether the gunfire originated from inside the school or nearby.
Haverhill Police and New Hampshire State Police have asked residents to avoid the area around Woodsville Elementary while the investigation is underway. Roads leading to the school remain closed, and parents are being asked to wait for official instructions regarding student reunification. Law enforcement is expected to provide a press briefing later today with further details.
Woodsville Elementary School, a central part of the small community of Woodsville in Grafton County, has long been regarded as a safe and nurturing place for children. Monday’s incident has sent shockwaves through the town, with parents, students, and educators shaken by the close brush with violence. Many parents expressed deep concern and fear for their children’s safety, some waiting outside the blocked perimeter for hours while awaiting news.
Local and state leaders are already responding with statements of support. School administrators have assured families that every precaution is being taken to ensure the safety of students and staff moving forward. Additional security measures are expected to be implemented in the coming days, and counselors will be made available to help students and teachers process the traumatic event.
As the investigation continues, the Woodsville community remains on edge, clinging to hope that no lives were lost and that answers will soon emerge. The incident underscores the growing need for school safety measures and mental health awareness as communities across the nation grapple with the devastating reality of gun violence near educational institutions.
More updates will be released as new information becomes available.
