09/12/2026
Incident at MVRHS Football Game — Friday, September 11, 2026
The Oak Bluffs Police Department, along with MVRHS School Administration, received a report and immediately began investigating an incident involving a photograph depicting a handgun that was taken and shared by a MVRHS student with another student at the MVRHS football game last evening.
We want to emphasize that we take incidents of this nature extremely seriously. Our priority is always to ensure the safety and security of our students, staff, and all attendees at school events.
We would like to recognize both of our School Resource Officers, who were present and working the detail at last evening’s game. Upon becoming aware of the incident, they immediately initiated an investigation, requested additional police resources from officers on shift, and were ultimately instrumental in helping to ensure the safety of our community.
Please see the statement below from MVRHS Administration.
“Good Morning School Community,
We are writing to provide an update regarding a report brought to the attention of Martha's Vineyard Regional High School Administration and law enforcement officials during last night's home football game, September 11, 2026.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., Administration and the School Resource Officer became aware that one of our students had received, through a social media application, a photograph depicting a handgun that had been taken and shared by another MVRHS student. The information provided allowed for the identification of the student who had sent the image.
Administration and the School Resource Officer began taking appropriate steps to locate the student on school grounds. The student was not located at the school, and information gathered during the initial response indicated that the student had left school grounds. Throughout the response, Administration maintained ongoing communication and coordination with the School Resource Officer and multiple island Police Departments.
Law enforcement subsequently made contact with the student and the student's parent at their home. The student was cooperative, and law enforcement reports that no weapon was located. The matter remains under investigation.
At this time, law enforcement and school officials have determined that there is no credible threat to the safety of our school community.
The school will address this situation with the student per the MVRHS Student Handbook.
Out of an abundance of caution, and in preparation for today's games, additional safety measures are being put in place. These measures include increased law enforcement presence, enhanced monitoring of the event, and continued coordination among school officials and local law enforcement throughout the games. These precautions are intended to provide a safe and welcoming environment for our students, families, staff, and visitors.
We understand that information of this nature can be concerning, particularly when it involves a school event. We ask our community to avoid sharing unverified information, photographs, or speculation on social media and to allow law enforcement to complete its investigation.
As always the safety and well being of our students and the entire school community remain our highest priority. We appreciate the cooperation, vigilance, and partnership of our students, families, staff, and local law enforcement.
We look forward to welcoming our community to today's games and will continue to provide updates should any additional information become available.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.”
