The investigation began after a fight involving several students Monday afternoon. School staffers later received information that one of the students involved might have had a gun.
Deputies placed the school on secure status Tuesday morning while they searched for the student. However, that student did not come to school, according to the Durham County Sheriff's Office.
Instead, deputies said they found a handgun in one student's backpack and ammunition in the possession of another student. The sheriff's office said it is seeking juvenile petitions and secure custody orders for two students involved in the incident.
Parents waiting in the pickup line Tuesday afternoon said the discovery was unsettling, especially so early in the school year.
"It's so early in the school year. It makes me uncomfortable," parent Robert Lemons said. "I'm going to keep her home tomorrow and let things get settled. For the second day of school, it's a bad start."
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Anaudia Johnson, whose sister attends the school, said she was shocked by the incident.
"It's crazy, and it's only the second day of school," Johnson said. "They're supposed to be here to learn. It's ridiculous. Terrifying also."
Durham County Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead urged students, staff and parents to report suspicious activity.
"When they see something suspicious, say something," Birkhead said in a statement. "I applaud the quick actions of our SROs working in conjunction with Durham Public Schools security and Southern High School staff to bring this dangerous situation to a safe conclusion."
Birkhead also encouraged students and families to contact school resource officers, school staff or use the Durham Public Schools Text-a-Tip line at 274637 to report concerns.
The investigation remains ongoing. The Durham County Sheriff's Office said it is working with the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice to determine appropriate charges for the students involved.
On Tuesday evening, DPS Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis sent a message to the school community.
"To our Durham Public Schools parents, families, staff, and community,
Yesterday we welcomed our traditional school scholars back for the 2026-2027 school year. And today, we experienced a troubling incident on one of our school campuses that is a reminder of the importance of safe learning environments. As we start our new school year together, I want to share some expectations to help us to experience and ensure success and safety this year.
Because safety and security are first and foremost in our schools and offices, we encourage a review of Board of Education Policy 4301.1, Student Code of Conduct - Elementary Schools and Policy 4301.2, Student Code of Conduct - Middle and High Schools.
Student behavior policies are provided in order to establish expected standards of student behavior; principles to be followed in managing student behavior; consequences for prohibited behavior or drug/alcohol policy violations; and required procedures for addressing misbehavior.
What you'll find when you review this policy and when your principal brings it to your attention is that Durham Public Schools has a zero-tolerance weapons policy. This is to ensure a safe and secure daily teaching and learning environment that you can depend upon.
Simultaneously, Durham Public Schools is a restorative district, which means that we are focused on repairing harm, building relationships, and fostering a sense of community. Additionally, we encourage all in our school community to stay vigilant and if you see something, Say Something. We're committed to creating safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments for all students, and an environment of belonging for all employees.
We will continue to address matters of behavior and conduct, and offer other opportunities for those who do not choose to adhere to policy.
We appreciate your ongoing support. I am confident that together we will have a successful school year."
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