Incident involving a firearm at Menlo-Atherton High School on March 11
Editor’s note: This information was provided by the Atherton Police Department.
On March 11, 2026, at approximately 1:00 pm, a staff member at Menlo-Atherton High School observed two students approach an athletic locker and place an item inside. The staff member noted that the students appeared to intentionally block the view of the locker while doing so, which raised concern.
After the students left the area, the staff member opened the locker and discovered a backpack containing a firearm. School staff immediately notified the Atherton Police Department’s School Resource Officer (SRO), who responded promptly, secured the firearm, and began an investigation.
Through the investigation, the SRO was able to identify the two students involved. Charges have been filed that include possession of a firearm on a school campus, minor in possession of a handgun, and possession of a firearm without a serial number.
At no time was the firearm brandished on campus, and there are no known threats to the campus community related to this incident. Due to the vigilance of school staff and the quick response of the School Resource Officer, the firearm was safely secured and the situation was addressed quickly.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Atherton Police Department at 650-688-6500.
Update: M-A Principal Karl Losekoot sent an email to parents on March 12, stating: “While both the school and Atherton PD continue to investigate all details of this incident, we have identified the students connected to this situation and are taking all appropriate and necessary actions as allowed by law. At this time in the investigation, we can report that there were no known threats made toward the M-A community or towards any individual in the community. Still, we understand that this news is unsettling to say the least and we understand that such news will result in many questions. We will do our best to address such questions moving forward, but please understand that we will not be able to share any information related to the students involved.”
