Meet the Washington school district that arms administrators in case of active shooters

As tragic as the recent mass shootings are, history suggests they will happen again. A school district in Eastern Washington says if the unthinkable happens there, it’s ready to meet force with force.
The Spotlight finds out what school is like when the staff is strapped. Plus, David gets shot with sim rounds by real cops during an active shooter drill. And we meet a hardworking man who was trying to enjoy a burger after working a double, when carjackers opened fire costing him an eye.

[@tecate9408]

Glad to see he takes the security of his kids serious enough to take actions instead of pay lip service.

[@JeffHuntsinger]

The people who would "Use them incorrectly" dont give a DAMN about laws!

[@proudmommy9]

Exactly!! That is what none of these smooth brained people understand !! They can ban guns completely and the criminals will be the only ones with guns running everything, robbing law abiding citizens because they will know they aren't armed. Criminals do not follow laws, I wish people would understand this but they are so programed by the MSM.

[@erockromulan9329]

The Uvalde shooter respected the law to wait until he was 18 to buy an AR-15. He gave a damn about the laws. What do you say to that?

[@sweetcheeks89]

Exactly!!!!

[@sweetcheeks89]

@@erockromulan9329 oh yeah. He cared about the laws. Guess he missed it where murder and shooting people/kids is illegal dong dong.

[@juliaweber212]

Exactly

[@Drew4078]

This is exactly how to stop a school shooting!!! ARM THE TEACHER!!!!

[@fgbtv3803]

until you piss off the teacher enough LMAO

[@hamfistsman6267]

I don't want to be armed. If I wanted that I would have gone into law enforcement.

[@ronkostars4258]

@@hamfistsman6267- That's certainly your right. I prefer to be armed, especially going anywhere near Seattle or Tacoma.

[@chamirf]

Teachers would have to undergo periodic background checks

[@nunceccemortiferiscultu7826]

@Sam Ramirez they should be already.

[@sarahbear2032]

I'm not in your school district but I support this 100%

[@fdddsigns7274]

This staff is awesome... Walk softly and carry a big stick!! Thank you for having courage to stand up for these beautiful children..

[@vigilantvoice9778]

Crazy in a good way, to think that the administration that carries firearms in this district train more often than some law enforcement agencies. I support his approach, well done!

[@proudmommy9]

WOW! Look, a school that is actually takes student safety seriously, is prepared and knows their safety plan! I fully support this, schools nationwide could adopt this and save children or prevent school shootings all together but NOPE they rather scream about gun laws/gun control.... as if the criminals follow laws.... This is child safety done right.... this could be done TOMORROW in school everywhere but politicians don't really care or they would.

[@juliaweber212]

I like the school baseball bats too

[@rosc2022]

Yes. It brings the locus of control back into the hands of school admin.

[@Vegaskawaiigirlie]

He needs an award 🥇 this should be brought to every school district in the US

[@Dead1yCool]

Yea, instead of trying to stop psychos getting guns in the first place let’s give everyone a gun so we have full blown firefights in schools. You people are such nutcases.

[@ericshurtz4901]

I would absolutely send my kids to your school and probably feel safer than I've ever felt sending my kids to School!!!

[@ryanthompson3737]

What about all those predator teachers..... you feel safe giving them a gun now?

[@biancamunoz1978]

I saw in the Yakima herald newsletter that the super intendants teacher and vice principal were pedophiles and groomers. They also happen to be his son and daughter and law. I wouldn’t want any children in that school.

[@theotheleo6830]

I feel that, as far as an active shooter situation, it may be safer, but the student test scores district wide are well below the state average. It would be better to home school.

[@TheWoodsman1983]

Somebody needs to tell this guy about hollow points, but at least he is taking the kids safety seriously. I'm all for arming staff or at least having an armed guard

[@TheErik249]

Liberal democrat prosecutors like to point out that by using hollow points as ammo, the shooter proved "intent". But you and I both know how common hollow point ammo can be.

[@thestonedone9237]

If I have to use a weapon on somebody, hollow points are the best option but I do beg people to keep a single magazine of Full metal jacket just in case they are wearing any protective gear. Plus if you want to take the hollow point to the next level look at the Hydro Shock ammo

[@paulscountry456]

Lots of lies here,45 rounds a minute?And Spitzer bullets are not designed to tumble although it can occur,they will often fragment or can plow straight for great lengths in tissue,more bs and lies from ignorant media ,and that teacher needs a good instructor as his entire form is horrible on so many levels,I do support him and his choice to do something.

[@yopappy6599]

@@thestonedone9237 I alternate in the mags that I carry, 2 hydros-1 fmj. 🤷‍♂️

[@juliaweber212]

They have baseball bats for teachers that don't like the guns but I think training with them is good too

[@darynadixon8759]

I would be supportive of this program. It's a faster response to keeping children and staff members alive. I love the partnership with the police department. All solutions should be considered. Anything to save children and staff. Prayers for everyone! 💜💚✝️🙏🌍

[@nombreapellido2092]

Anything but...

[@darynadixon8759]

@@nombreapellido2092 Unfortunately there is no perfect solution. But through learning about varies solutions and respectively having disagreements, we will all work together to find the safest solution to keeping children and staff members safe from mass shootings. Prayers for everyone. ✝️🙏🌍💚💜

[@alexpnw]

I hope every school can have a couple armed personnel at all times

[@weisserth]

19 heavily armed police officers, with body armor and assault rifles did not stop that one 18 year shooter. What makes you think a school admin with a small handgun could?!

[@yeahdaddy7534]

@@weisserth Asinine fool.

[@rogersmith7808]

@@weisserth They weren't heavily armed, didnt have body armor and didnt have assault rifles so you might want to get your info from a more reliable source.

[@mr.duanesharpe]

@@weisserth I guess it’s….. “officer safety” …..

[@ongba5890]

@@rogersmith7808 And neither will these administrators.

[@MrDarren5012]

All schools need to do this

[@C.P.C3719]

I’m willing to bet this school will never be a soft target

[@knokkersme]

Way2go I wish all the school districts in Washington State we're doing this great job way to protect our kids

[@kathyg.5742]

Awesome. Good for Toppenish!! 👏

[@jodywade5617]

I back this fully!

[@jesselund360]

Every school in the country should have this.

[@melissabash6670]

Wow I agree with you

[@melissabash6670]

Wow this principle definitely need to make a trip to Seattle and talk to all the other school districts and all the other principles everyone needs to be on the same page this is awesome

[@ronkostars4258]

Melissa Bash - Communist-controlled Seattle, Tacoma, and Edmonds school districts all got rid of the armed uniformed Resource Officers in 2020, "to make students feel safe." Complete morons.

[@davestephenson2586]

Toppenish is on the Yakama Nation, & is majority Native American. When one considers the recent racist teacher rants recorded in Rochester, at Zoom meetings, etc., is having these armed racists on a reservation, in Seattle, or anywhere in Washington a good idea? And White America has used its educational system as a tool of genocide against Native children; their death camps were called "boarding SCHOOLS," remember?

[@juliaweber212]

I agree

[@bitsinmyblood]

Guaranteed, the schools the children of political "elite" attend have robust physical security layers. Keeping children safe at school will happen when we force our "elected leaders" to do it. Arm and train as many teachers as possible in the defensive use of weapons.

[@b_uppy]

And get rid of teachers with anger issues, they already cause more problems than they're worth.

[@anthonyn1157]

@@b_uppy teachers wouldn’t be so angry if they got paid what they deserve

[@b_uppy]

@@anthonyn1157 US teachers are the highest paid in the world but do a cut rate job compared to other countries. Your argument falls flat.

[@b_uppy]

@@anthonyn1157 The angry ones should go. They likely contribute to the school shooting problem.

[@deedee9835]

@@b_uppy no they aren’t! Where is the statics to support that? The world is more than the USA 😁😁😁😆

[@bettydamnboop3030]

Should be done in every school or maybe children shouldn’t go to school. Best news I’ve heard in years.

[@b_uppy]

Homeschooling can be a good option for concerned parents.

[@melissabash6670]

Wow I totally agree with you

[@sweetcheeks89]

@@b_uppy not when they have to work to pay bills and live. Not to mention most kids don't do well being taught from home.

[@b_uppy]

@@sweetcheeks89 Then press Congress to support school vouchers for all private schools.

[@johnathandaviddunster38]

In the u.s.a not in the civilised world..😢😢😢

[@lovethyneighbor1955]

Now that's what I'm talkin' 'bout!

[@jg1709]

AMEN TO THAT!

[@conceptcs]

Kids are our greatest assets. Must protect at all cost!

[@JeffHuntsinger]

WOW, So MANY lies and falsehoods to start this story. An AR-15 will fire 1 round with EACH trigger pull, so, NO the AR15 DOES NOT only shoot 45 rounds a minute. Thats lie number 1.

[@b_uppy]

That would have to be one heck of a twitch to do 45 a minute...

[@aluke6059]

Awesome, I see someone who has a plan with training in place and all on board 👍🏽

[@jet5057]

Salute you sir for protecting your kids

[@viper26ja79]

I absolutely agree with what you're doing but I've got to say you need to get rid of the FMJ you could over penetrate and hit a child, load your defensive weapon with hollow point I am a PSS, a "private security specialist so I know what I'm talking about". I would also recommend you get bullet resistant counters as well they are expensive but it will provide you cover so that you can stay alive while you're covering an evacuation of the unarmed

[@b_uppy]

Get wedges for under the doors, too.

[@obidenwhatajokeverysad5809]

Wow somebody in Washington is actually doing something that makes sense

[@audibjornsson6107]

AWESOME!!

[@gadnukbreakerofworlds3460]

To keep the sheep safe, you need sheepdogs that have the same sharp teeth and claws that the wolves will bring to take the lives of your lambs. The wolves will always have the benefit of shock and surprise, there's nothing we can do about that, evil always has that advantage. What we have over the wolves is the ability to prepare, to foresee and make ready for the potential day when they will bring chaos to our lives, and we must stand ready to restore order as quickly and definitively as possible. Bravo Toppenish! Not only did you provide your flock with sheepdogs who understand the threat, but you even trained your sheep to not just be helpless victims, and to fight back within their means. Outstanding!

[@mikestefka6668]

I have been saying it for years, most schools have some WILLING AND ABLE staff that can train to respond to a shooter.

[@juliaweber212]

Exactly

[@ryanthompson3737]

Also plenty of evidence that most schools have some willing and able predators that sexually abuse children. The ONLY way to prevent that is, you guessed it, GUN CONTROL. People shouldn't even be in charge of children if they can't pass an electronics audit, let alone in charge with a gun they can use to threaten them with.

[@johnathandaviddunster38]

In the u.s.a not in the civilised world 😢😢😢😢

[@Trad-Am]

The superintendent has the right idea being armed, he does need more training, as his grip, and form, aren't great. He also has a misguided view of universal background checks, that lead to gun registry, and ultimately confiscation. We've got great NICS checks already, but if nobody reports to them, they can't flag someone. Training is also a good idea, but when you make it mandated, it's just asking for gov. Abuse.

[@paulscountry456]

Horrible,his arms are not extended and his grip although high enough on the back is not good,nobody trained him in proper Isocelese or grip,people shoot that way when they have a hard time seeing the sights and try to compensate by bringing the gun closer.I support and applaud him and hope he gets a better instructor.

[@boejiden1065]

You can’t see through this? They’re just hitting you with a different angle that you can “relate to” it’s the same gun control anti 2A agenda. This clown clearly doesn’t train, his firearm is a mess, he’s just another clown show news puppet.

[@shawndoyle6460]

Sad fact is we provide better security for politicians and banks than we do children

[@Starkesea]

All schools need this and every citizen should have the right to bare arms with non insane gun restrictions, also what's crazy is that my mother works for Toppenish school district and I hope she obtains her CPL soon and let me buy her this 9mm I've been begging her to let me get her

[@vickyallen501]

200% agreed 👍

[@Powernana12]

SO proud of my son that “works” protecting students everyday.

[@BestAuntieEver]

FUCK YEAH!!!!!! As long as they're fully training them, absofuckinglutely!! This school is doing it all correctly!!!! This is what I want to see more of in my evergreen state.

[@francesahrens1578]

The early piece of this video is coverage of a school district in Washington state who has been preparing/training for school shooters, for YEARS, since Columbine. It can happen anywhere…their example is exemplary…

[@ryanthompson3737]

Yes, let's give pedophile teachers guns!

[@allpoliticalskykomishvalle963]

Thats great! Every public school should have a response team that can act immediately. Ofcourse some teachers are better suited herding kids. This is a proactive plan of defense to protect staff and students! This is how a school restores the publics faith in keeping our people safe! Bravo!

[@juliaweber212]

Florida calls them gaurdains I do agree training course

[@johnathandaviddunster38]

In the u.s.a not in the civilised world 😢😢😢

[@johnathandaviddunster38]

In the u.s.a not in the civilised world 😢😢

[@jasonrobbins7269]

I had two armed Sheriffs in my HS everyday, never felt scared it actually pushed me to get my act together later in life going into LE myself. This is a man with a plan, our president lol he has no plan.

[@jacobseraphin685]

As they should, I feel like only certain teachers should get it tho like teachers who don’t have anger issues

[@Tokin_Alien]

Maybe they should do background checks ☠️

[@swallowedinthesea11]

i'm 14 and i knw a lot about life my math teacher from california universe one of the best schools in the world telled us that guns are bad and i agree we need to make guns unlegel no one need a gun smh 🤦‍♂️

[@yeahdaddy7534]

@@swallowedinthesea11 you have been brain washed kid, SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED. i carry a gun every day, i will not be a victim because you have a irrational fear of firearms.

[@Aphabet21]

@@swallowedinthesea11 The school system has failed you

[@michaelpate5426]

@@swallowedinthesea11 you need to go study the Constitution and what communism because without the second amendment we would be communist stay in school you don't know nothing

[@TSDSecrets]

I wonder why he didn't mention a staff member had a weapon on campus and a member of their Critical Incident Response Team didn't report it to him nor the authorities. Putting his own students in danger... And another member of the Team came to the training intoxicated...They don't have teachers on the team because then god forbid they'll have to actually pay them for training? Oh but you had enough money to pay your son and daughter in law for their sex crime.

[@fomocore]

And your point is? Safety issue because he's armed? I think your issue is with armed teachers. At least they're not growing the kids with sexualisation and gender. Teaching them to be vigilant and aware of their situations. Maybe they can live in your downtown Seattle

[@TSDSecrets]

@@fomocore I don't believe you understood my comment. I am from Toppenish, this is the superintendent of Toppenish School District. HIs son, who was a High school Vice Principal and his daughter in law who was a High school Teacher were both eventually (it took too long time) terminated for a sex crime with a minor. They would offer drugs, alcohol and sex to minors. John Cerna, the superintendent , had members of his critical initial response team ( the team able to carry guns) show up intoxicated to the training and they continued to be on the team. Another member caught his daughter in law, Bertha Cerna, carrying a gun onto school grounds and she wasn't part of the Critical Response Team. Putting all of the students at the high school in danger because they had just put her husband John Cerna, the superintendents son, on administrative leave. If you would like to read more into it and see evidence facebook.com/tsdsecrets has sheriff's reports, evidence, etc.

[@1stsharkb8]

Assault rifles are automatic and already illegal. It would help if the people who were trying to make laws understood guns at all.

[@melissabash6670]

Wow every school in the country should have this I would definitely feel more safe as a single mom when I drop my son off at school and I should also have metal detectors in school as well that’s something my son told me

[@b_uppy]

As a single mom it is important your child feels safe and well cared for. Most shooters come from 'broken homes.' Best wishes and keep an eye out for your kids as they are likely to endure more stresses. No blame but instead a heads up.

[@JenessaAndKingston]

I agree every school needs a metal detector we have billions to send overseas! Protect our kids! Money should not be an object.

[@psychedforlife7176]

I would trust him with my child if I lived there.

[@casmith245]

Right on!

[@boogy1121]

I'm all for arming trained teachers/administrators but the fact that this guy doesn't know he should be carrying hollow points is alarming. That ball ammo is dangerous to bystanders in a crowded setting like a school.

[@kathyerb3134]

i too salute you . gun safety courses , raise the age, love the school improvements.

[@OdinZeus2020]

Great Teacher & and an amazing person.

[@williamadams8353]

Good to see some common sense being used finally. This guy is ready to save those kids if need be. Good for you, sir.

[@seanc.cooper4669]

Every school district in Washington should be doing this.

[@danielbrakke4460]

Why is he carry FMJ in a school that’s my question haha

[@Aphabet21]

That’s what i was thinking. Get hollow points and get rid of the bug spray and get a pepper spray

[@b_uppy]

@@Aphabet21 Bug spray can work pretty well. Notice next time you you use it on a Wasp nest...

[@Aphabet21]

@@b_uppy bug spray has no instant effect on people and been proven not effective several times. At best, its cause for lawsuit liabilities, at worst, it will get you killed. People aren’t wasps.

[@shauneasterbrook5089]

I’m surprised a school in WA is doing this….

[@mariyahj8609]

Lol 😂 me to but it’s good.

[@gabrielhuin]

Finally an actual solution

[@jo-qp7mz]

Man I'm about to move there! Thank God somebody's doing something

[@amazingsupergirl7125]

This principal needs to head up a nationwide program. I hated the idea before seeing this. The best thing they’re doing though is identifying and buzzing people in. And locking down the whole school.

[@hadpretty7007]

Why isn't NBC or CNN reporting on this 🤔

[@b_uppy]

They're too busy opining about gun (people) control...

[@jodemit655]

I call BS on the reporters comment about ar 15s

[@erockromulan9329]

How about we do something to limit access to 18 year old to high powered weapons?

[@bijanka]

That man is NOT properly trained in firearms. God bless those kids.

[@SierraArms]

I hate the idea of having guns everywhere like this but if this what it takes, sure. Physical and mental training is key. I can't and don't want to imagine what parents go though the day that their kids don't come home anymore.

[@ryanthompson3737]

Give the pedo teacher a gun, that can't possibly go wrong.

[@hectic5173]

Smart man. Smart move.

[@jamesnewberry1191]

That's so wonderful !

[@nickdevault5717]

Kudos to the Spotlight for paying the tow fees there. Screwy that our county / state authorities can't sort that out

[@SILENTxSAM]

The first responders of any school shooting will always be the teachers and staff. Arm and train them please because mass shootings are never going away in America, they are here to stay.

[@vmac8972]

Notice these evil acts are done in gun free zones. Notice home invasions happen less frequently in areas where normal people are armed. Criminals choose defenseless targets. If criminals notice a trend in criminals being shot during their criminal acts murder, rape, armed robberies, etc. would go down drastically.

[@seth7745]

@@vmac8972 Though that’s a factor that makes these places vulnerable, the root cause has more to do with monkey see monkey do. The first school shooting was a fluke, an unprecedented outlier then the extensive media coverage is what resulted in more.

[@Toketree]

Every single school in the country should be doing this

[@fdddsigns7274]

Then we need to raise draft age to 21.. bc it's not fair to expect kids to train with firearms and not be able to own one for three years.

[@mikesaquariums4293]

All school's should do the same

[@johnathandaviddunster38]

In the u.s.a not in the civilised world 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@benrodriguez9408]

YES!

[@melissadwiggins]

You know what always stops the crazy person with a gun? A good guy with a gun. Gun laws aren't going to stop crazy people. A sign that says gun Free zone may as well say "Come on in and start shooting! No one is armed". I believe this is one of the very few instances that you can fight fire with fire.

[@matthewstephens6502]

Weird this shit is finally being shown. Now, PROMOTE it.

[@kingandqueenturben8293]

45 rounds a min? Sheesh! That's a trigger pull every 1.4 seconds. I'm guessing multiple "clips" and holes that blow lungs out of the body... That's 5 mins 225 deadly almost. Derrrr #(ck) common knowledge

[@NasusKim]

Schools can hire veterans for security. They’re already trained for something that’s stressful but still requires professional performance during those fast traumatic situations. It’s sad that kids and school workers gotta think about these kinds of precautions. They’re not trained for shootings. People are there to teach and learn

[@bobmorr2892]

This is not a solution to that problem. There were a bunch of cops with guns in the school in Texas for like 45 minutes while the guy was still shooting up the place. Part of the problem is our sick twisted love of guns in this country. What are we going to do arm all the people that work at Walmart or all the people that work in bars arm everyone that works at a movie theater have armed guards at every Church arm every guard on every corner on every street in America?

[@ronkostars4258]

Bob M o r r - People like you should stay away from firearms so you don't hurt yourself or someone else.

[@Colmleft]

Insanity. The only country in the world willing to surrender the rule of law before a firearm. Uvalde proved the lie being promoted with this insanity.

[@grewtalk1728]

Much respect. Do not let these bad guys even think they're "winning"

[@mariyahj8609]

Montell Jordan voice 🗣This is how we do it Lol 😂

[@richardmoorer2668]

The fact that's its known that a school is armed is a deterrent

[@07LuckY13]

What a tragic ordeal for the Gentleman in the car wash segment. Fox13 deserves some respect for helping him get his vehicle back at least.

[@matthewsoares2457]

If I lived in America I would send my child to the school because I know that they're safe and secure and can learn how to survive and protect

[@kimberlynndickens9640]

This is why all teachers must pass a physical fitness test, drug test and advanced first aid. This is a requirement, not something to get overtime union pay. She says she would do anything to keep "her" The children safe, summer school for teachers means physical fitness, first aid and fire arms training. As police have body cameras, cameras on our streets "that we the tax payers pay for " they should have them in the classrooms.

[@richardmoorer2668]

Now that's a school that wont get attacked

[@Phynomeagle]

The protector of our kids....this is definitely one way to do it.

[@judithgrace9850]

Bricks in kids desk. Flashbacks,wasp bear spray,bleach, less windows,Bats . Outside playgrounds.Military draft 12 to 65

[@imanuealinassem4341]

This is sad what our country is turning into. Great job keeping your kids safe. Praying for you.

[@ditavalerio615]

This is how it is done ✅

[@melissabash6670]

I honestly think as a single parent with a 14 year old son that’s an eighth grade the school principal should get a hold of king county and Pierce County and all the principles need to get together and talk about the safety of our children.Because there are future

[@snoopers360]

What does being a single parent have to do with this? Lol

[@Drew4078]

@@snoopers360 not a damn thing!!!

[@b_uppy]

As a single parent be aware that your child is more likely to be involved in a shooting. Be supportive because your kids are likely under more stress... Not blaming. Just giving a heads up...

[@tman9517]

By the time you posted this story Cerna’s son and his wife both employees of the school district had been fired for having sex parties with students while Cerna did nothing. He was just fired. You owe it to your viewers to do a follow up story with actual facts.

[@ianpatrickclarksr4074]

This plan with its training and prevention and protection mentality, sets me at ease….after listening to those involved.

[@jay-firstofhisname]

At least he's training in his suit. He knows the job.

[@matthewsoares2457]

Another thing prevent bullying do not Dismiss.Anger and fear go hand-in-hand

[@staygoldnpnyboi]

Cartwheel inside your organs? What..? Lmfao

[@johnjacobjinglehimerschmit3075]

Proud of this man!

[@Krystal_Kitty7]

Those metal detectors need to be in every school in this country. Imagine if they were installed 2 days late the kid who brought in the gun would have had his way.

[@davidgordon7306]

This principle is right

[@mrfracturepie5736]

I like how this pro gun admin also acknowledges that there are many other everyday things that can be used as weapons. Guns are not the only solution

[@brianraglandsr.2349]

I like seeing someone arming their self at school. BUT GET SOME TRAINING. THAT GUY IS USING BALL AMMO. That isnt safe. Please use only hollow points for self defence.

[@b_uppy]

You mean when he is target practicing? Which costs more and which would you use for target practice???

[@achey70]

Our pieces of representatives need to take this guys plan and expand.

[@Jim-jf6pp]

Damn shame the rest of the Country doesn't care about kids as much as this man!!

[@ax5017]

I want my kid going to this school

[@markpreston6930]

Lots of trailer park speed there.