Lockdown Incident at École secondaire Neelin High School

Updated: June 20, 2025 @ 4:00 pm

Brandon School Division continues to focus on supporting our students, families and staff who have been impacted by the recent violent incident at École secondaire Neelin High School.  The provision of support and resources to those affected is ongoing, with school social workers and psychologists present daily since June 10^th, alongside additional crisis supports from Prairie Mountain Health for students and staff.

We are profoundly troubled by the findings shared by Brandon Police Service, which confirm that the attack was motivated by political and racial ideology. The intentional targeting of individuals based on race is abhorrent and fundamentally contradicts the values, vision, and mission of the Division. Such acts have no place in our community.

We recognize that the information shared by Brandon Police Service today will impact students and families throughout our community. Although the attack took place at Neelin High School, the underlying issues reach far beyond our school’s boundaries. The severity and intent of this act will inevitably affect the overall sense of safety within our community. Moving forward, collaboration and unity will be essential to safeguarding the well-being of all.

We acknowledge that this is a complex and ongoing investigation. Brandon School Division will continue to review new information as it becomes available and remains steadfast in working with our community partners to address these serious issues as we strive to heal together.

Updated: June 10, 2025 @ 7:45 pm

Good evening,

I would like to provide an update on the violent incident that occurred at Neelin High School today.

At 1:15 pm, a student from École secondaire Neelin High School contacted the Brandon Police Service High School Resource Officer and advised that a male was acting erratically and was in possession of a weapon. At the same time, school staff were made aware of an armed male in the building; they immediately called 911 and put the school into lockdown status.

Police quickly responded and arrived on the scene at 1:18 pm, where they located the male suspect who was still in possession of the weapon inside the school. Responding officers apprehended the suspect, a 16-year-old male, and he was taken into custody at 1:22 pm.

The victim, a 15-year-old student of Neelin High School, was found injured with multiple stab wounds and was transported to Brandon Regional Health Centre by ambulance in serious condition.  The victim is currently in the hospital in stable condition. 

The matter is currently under investigation, and further information will be released as it becomes available. 

We are deeply saddened by this incident of violence in one of our schools.  Our thoughts are first and foremost with the victim and his family.  I would like to extend our sincere wishes for his healing and well-being. 

I wish to express my concern for the Neelin High School students, families, and staff, as I recognize that this event will have impacted the school community deeply.  The school and division are committed to providing supports for students and staff.  Neelin High School will be open to students who wish to attend tomorrow, and the Crisis Response Team will be present.

I want to express my appreciation for the rapid response from the Brandon Police Service officers who attended.  I also want to recognize the quick actions of school staff in placing the school in lockdown and responding to the threat. Finally, I wish to commend Neelin students for their assistance and cooperation during this event. 

Sincerely, 

Mathew Gustafson, Superintendent / Chief Executive Officer

BRANDON SCHOOL DIVISION
1031 – 6^th Street | Brandon, MB | R7A 4K5
Web: www.bsd.ca | Email:  info@bsd.ca

Posted: June 10, 2025 @ 4:00 pm 

École secondaire Neelin High School was temporarily placed in a lockdown this afternoon (Tuesday, June 10, 2025), due to an intruder in the building with a weapon.  

At approximately 1:15 PM today, Brandon Police Service responded to a report of an incident at École secondaire Neelin High School involving two male youths. Officers arrived promptly, and by 1:22 PM, a 16-year-old male suspect was arrested and taken into custody. The 15-year-old male victim received immediate medical attention. His parents have been notified, and support is being provided to him and his family.  (Brandon Police Service) 

At approximately 1:25 PM, the lockdown was released, as there was no further threat to students, staff, or the surrounding area. 

This incident remains under active investigation by Brandon Police Service, and we ask for patience as we work with them to gather all the facts. Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available and can be released.

The safety and security of students and staff remain our priority.

BRANDON SCHOOL DIVISION
1031 – 6^th Street | Brandon, MB | R7A 4K5
Web: www.bsd.ca | Email:  info@bsd.ca