North Forsyth High School: Stabbing Under Investigation in Winston-Salem; Officials Say There’s No Ongoing Threat

A midday stabbing on Tuesday, December 9, at North Forsyth High School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, prompted a heavy response from law enforcement and EMS, triggered parent alerts, and temporarily disrupted the school day. Authorities said there was no immediate, ongoing threat to the wider community while investigators processed the scene and gathered witness statements. Key details—how many people were involved, the relationship between those involved, and the extent of injuries—were still being verified as of Tuesday afternoon.

What we know about the North Forsyth High School incident

The incident unfolded late morning to early afternoon on the Winston-Salem campus. Multiple patrol units and medical teams converged on the school, established a secure perimeter, and began coordinating with administrators to manage student movement inside the building. Families reported receiving messages to avoid the area and await official updates. Some after-school activities were placed under review pending the investigative timeline.

Recent updates indicate a stabbing occurred on campus; specifics remain fluid and may change as officials confirm the facts. Authorities emphasized that students and staff not directly involved were safe and that routine dismissal plans would be adjusted only if necessary for the investigation or road closures around the campus.

Clarifying the two schools with the same name

There are two high schools commonly referred to as North Forsyth High School—one in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and one in Cumming, Georgia. Tuesday’s incident involves the Winston-Salem campus. Families and readers should ensure updates reference Forsyth County, North Carolina to avoid confusion.

How the response typically unfolds after a campus stabbing

• Medical care first: On-scene teams stabilize anyone injured and coordinate transport. School resource officers and responding deputies secure the immediate area to allow EMTs to work safely.

• Scene control: Investigators restrict movement near the incident location to preserve evidence. Hallway traffic, class changes, and restroom access may be temporarily rerouted.

• Accountability checks: Administrators take controlled attendance to ensure every student is accounted for and to identify potential witnesses.

• Parent communication: District alerts usually come in short, factual bursts—first confirming an incident and safety status, then adding details as they are verified. A reunification site is announced only if early release is necessary.

What remains unconfirmed

• Injury specifics: The number of individuals injured and their conditions were not yet publicly confirmed early Tuesday afternoon.

• Lockdown status: While many parents referenced lockdown language in messages and on social media, officials had not detailed the exact safety posture (hold-in-place vs. full lockdown).

• Motive and circumstances: Whether the incident stemmed from an altercation between students, involved non-students, or had preexisting warning signs has not been established.

Given the developing nature of the situation, readers should treat unverified online claims with caution until authorities publish confirmed information.

Safety context and recent measures at North Carolina schools

Schools across the region have expanded layered safety protocols in recent years, including controlled entries, visitor screening, threat-assessment teams, and closer coordination with local law enforcement. After an incident like this, districts typically add short-term visible measures—enhanced hallway supervision, additional officers at arrival and dismissal, and counseling resources—while a longer-term review examines how the event unfolded, how quickly alerts reached families, and whether any procedural changes are warranted.

Guidance for families and students today

• Rely on official alerts: Watch for texts, emails, or app notifications from the district for updates on dismissal, bus routes, and activities.

• Plan for traffic control: If an early release or reunification is announced, expect roadblocks and ID checks to ensure students connect with authorized adults.

• Support students emotionally: Even those far from the incident area may feel anxious. Encourage open conversation and consider school counseling resources offered in the coming days.

• Avoid rumor sharing: Reposting unconfirmed claims can complicate reunification and the investigative process.

What comes next in the investigation

Investigators will map the scene, collect video from campus cameras, take statements from students and staff, and, if applicable, retrieve and process any recovered weapon. If a suspect is identified, next steps include custody decisions, potential juvenile or adult charges depending on age and circumstances, and court scheduling. The district is likely to outline counseling availability, attendance flexibility for affected students, and any schedule adjustments once the campus returns to routine operations.

North Forsyth High School

North Forsyth High School in Winston-Salem experienced a stabbing on campus Tuesday that drew a significant emergency response. Officials stressed there is no ongoing threat while the investigation continues. With several key details still unconfirmed, families should monitor official district and law-enforcement channels for verified updates on safety posture, dismissal plans, and support services.