Source: Student threatened to ‘kill’ year before middle school attack

WARRENTON, Mo. (First Alert 4) -- First Alert 4 Investigates has learned from a source that the student at the center of a knife attack at a Warrenton middle school previously threatened to bring a gun to school and kill people.

The source says that in September 2025 the student put something in writing saying he would bring a rifle to school and kill people. The source says the threat was investigated by the police department.

A representative for the Warrenton police department referred all further questions to Judge Richard Scheibe, who handles juvenile court matters.

The source says the September 2025 incident was in addition to another allegation made just a few weeks ago, when someone claimed the student had a gun in his backpack. That allegation was found to be unsubstantiated.

Warrenton police addressed that incident in a statement released Friday afternoon that said there has been no confirmation that the juvenile suspect previously possessed or brought a firearm onto school property.

Many parents and posts on social media had raised questions about any previous instances involving the suspect, who is also a student at Black Hawk Middle School.

“We recognize that parents and community members have legitimate questions regarding school safety and whether this incident could have been prevented. Those concerns deserve serious consideration and fact-based answers,” said Warrenton Police, in a statement.

The statement says that the investigation has confirmed a previous allegation involving a firearm that was reported to the School Resource Officer (SRO). Police say the SRO addressed the allegation immediately and conducted searches of the student’s belongings and residence.

A source says that allegation was reported about three weeks ago.

During that investigation, the police statement says, the juvenile’s mother also reported that firearms were not present in the home.

Additionally, they add that information obtained during the current investigation shows that the juvenile suspect did not have access to firearms in the home and selected a knife as the weapon used during the incident.

The statement stressed the following: “At this stage of the investigation, there has been no confirmation that the juvenile previously possessed or brought a firearm onto school property.”

Police say they remain committed to a thorough and impartial investigation and ask the public to refrain from circulating unsubstantiated claims that may increase fear in the community.

Police were called to Black Hawk Middle School just before 8 a.m. Thursday. One student who was stabbed was flown to a hospital. The teacher was taken to a hospital by ambulance.

Police said just before 1:30 p.m. Thursday that the student was in stable condition. The teacher was discharged before 2 p.m.

Police said a second student had “superficial wounds.” Warren County R-III District Superintendent Gregg Klinginsmith confirmed the student is his son.

Klinginsmith said Friday he could not comment on the student suspect’s past.

In their statement Friday, Warrenton police said they recognize the concern, fear and frustration expressed by members of the community, writing: “Our thoughts remain with the injured victims, their families, and the students and staff affected by this incident.”