The MBPD investigation is ongoing, and we are working closely with them. Due to this, we cannot share additional details."

Bowes added that MBPD believes that this was an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the school or the community. He also encouraged families to have open conversations with their children about the importance of saying something if they see or hear something.

On March 20, Bowes followed up with an email to families that said that the campus "was and remains safe, secure, and operating on its regular schedule."

Bowes added: "California Education Code requires the immediate suspension and recommendation for expulsion of a pupil determined to have possessed a firearm at school. While we cannot share additional details regarding the specifics of this incident or any consequences for the individual involved, we do want to emphasize that the gun was unloaded, and that no ammunition was found anywhere on campus. The situation was immediately addressed and contained and did not necessitate a lockdown. MBPD immediately responded to the school site and began their investigation, also deploying a K-9 specializing in firearms detection, and confirmed that no additional weapons were found on campus. Today, we are continuing to actively work with MBPD to investigate all aspects of the situation." 

MBUSD spokesperson Hibah Samad told MB News on March 20 that the school was not closed on Wednesday, March 19, and was on a regular schedule on Thursday, March 20. "MBPD has determined that this was a contained incident, but out of an abundance of caution and to provide reassurance to our students, staff, and families, officers were present on campus [Thursday] and will be present [on Friday]," Samad told MB News.

Samad also confirmed that this was the first incident of its kind at MBMS.

On Wednesday, April 2, MBPD released a statement regarding the incident, noting that the juvenile had been arrested, and included the following statement:

"The Manhattan Beach Police Department has concluded its investigation, which included how the minor obtained the firearm and the culpability of any adults in this incident. The investigation was submitted to the Los Angeles County Juvenile Probation Department as well as the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration."