Woodsville NH Shooting – A chilling event unfolded in the otherwise peaceful town of Woodsville, New Hampshire, on Monday, May 5, 2025, when shots were reportedly fired near Woodsville Elementary School, prompting a swift response from local and state authorities. The incident led to an immediate lockdown of the school, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community.
The events unfolded during regular school hours, when a report of an active shooter was received by law enforcement. In response, New Hampshire State Troopers, along with local police, quickly blocked off the entrances to the school parking lot, and officers were seen guarding all access points to the school building. As a precautionary measure, Woodsville Elementary was placed on full lockdown. School officials moved quickly to implement emergency protocols, with teachers and staff securing classrooms and keeping students sheltered in place.
The lockdown procedures were executed with great urgency, with parents notified via emergency text alerts and district messaging systems. Many parents arrived at the scene, only to be met with barricades, heavy police presence, and a scene of tense uncertainty. Witnesses reported seeing numerous law enforcement officers around the perimeter of the school, as armed troopers took positions to secure the building and its surroundings. Access to the school was strictly prohibited, and police began conducting a thorough search of the area to ensure there were no immediate threats.
As of the latest reports, authorities have not confirmed any injuries. The investigation remains ongoing, and law enforcement has not yet announced whether a suspect has been apprehended or if there is still an active threat. While details surrounding the gunfire remain unclear, officials are working to determine whether the shots originated from inside the school or from a nearby area.
Haverhill Police and New Hampshire State Police have urged residents to avoid the vicinity of Woodsville Elementary while the investigation is underway. Roads leading to the school remain closed, and parents have been advised to await further instructions on student reunification. A press briefing is expected later in the day to provide additional details regarding the situation.
Woodsville Elementary, located in Grafton County, is a cornerstone of the local community. The school has long been considered a safe environment for students and staff, making the events of Monday all the more unsettling. Local residents and parents have expressed deep concern for their children’s safety, many of whom spent hours waiting outside the blocked-off area for updates. The community has been left in a state of shock and disbelief, as this close brush with violence has shaken the foundation of what is usually a serene and close-knit town.
Authorities have reassured the community that every precaution is being taken to ensure the safety of all students and staff moving forward. Plans for enhanced security measures are already in the works, and counselors will be available to help students and educators process the traumatic event. Local and state leaders have offered their support and solidarity to the community during this challenging time.
As the investigation continues, the people of Woodsville remain on edge, holding onto hope that no lives were lost and that answers will soon come to light. The incident has raised further concerns about school safety and the need for stronger mental health support, as gun violence continues to impact educational institutions across the country. The Woodsville community, however, remains hopeful that they will soon find the strength to recover from this harrowing experience.