Media Statement From Dr. Wendy Birhanzel, D2 Superintendent - 09/25/25

The safety of our students and staff is our top priority at Panorama Middle School and across all D2 schools. I would like to provide clarity regarding recent media reports about an incident that occurred after hours near our school.

Two students reported encountering someone with a gun in the school parking lot after hours. The school and School Resource Officer were notified the following day and immediately began investigating with the support of the Colorado Springs Police Department. Both school and district administration followed safety protocols when reporting this incident.

At CSPD’s request, we delayed communication so investigators could safely secure a suspect using a search warrant. Early communication could have compromised the investigation and community safety.

Like many of you, we learned of the suspect’s arrest through media reports. We commend our students for bravely sharing information that helped police make an arrest, and we are proud they trusted school staff in such a difficult moment. We take every report seriously and will continue to work closely with law enforcement to protect our students, staff, and community.

Dr. Wendy Birhanzel, Superintendent