FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — A violent altercation between students at West Potomac High School on Wednesday morning led to a 16-year-old being hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after being stabbed during a fight, according to Fairfax County Police.

The incident occurred around 9:40 a.m. in a hallway of the school, located off Quander Road in the Belle Haven area of Northern Virginia.

Police say a 15-year-old male student used a knife to stab the 16-year-old during a physical confrontation.

The victim was found on the ground with visible injuries and blood pooling on the floor, as captured in disturbing video footage that has circulated among students.

Images and videos from the scene, shared via social media, show several students involved in a physical altercation and bystanders standing near the injured teen as staff attempted to assist.

Medics responded promptly and transported the 16-year-old to a local hospital.

Authorities later confirmed that the victim’s condition had stabilized after initially being described as life-threatening.

At a press briefing, Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis confirmed that the 15-year-old suspect will face malicious wounding charges.

A third student involved in the altercation is currently being questioned, though police do not anticipate filing charges against that individual at this time.

“This was an isolated incident,” Chief Davis stated, reassuring the public that there is no ongoing threat to the school community.

In response to the violence, West Potomac High School was placed under a “Stay Put, Stay Tuned” protocol, meaning that while the building was not in lockdown, students and staff were required to remain in place and no one was allowed to enter or exit the facility.

The directive prompted concern and frustration from parents, many of whom rushed to the school upon hearing of the incident but were unable to retrieve their children.

During an afternoon news conference, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid faced criticism from upset parents, some of whom questioned the district’s communication policies and the school’s restrictions on student cellphone use during emergencies.

School officials emphasized that the restriction on phones is intended to ensure students remain alert and responsive to staff instructions during crisis situations.

The school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) released a statement via social media, reiterating that the incident had been contained and that updates would be shared as they became available.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stabbing, including what led up to the confrontation and how the weapon was brought into the school.

Authorities are also working closely with school administrators to review safety protocols moving forward.