Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach was evacuated on Friday night, October 3, following the discovery of a bullet in a PE locker.

The football game (still in the 1st quarter) and a volleyball tournament were both impacted by the evacuation, leaving the stadium and athletics facility empty after previously having been filled with athletes and spectators.

At 7:40 p.m., the school district issued an alert noting that the high school had initiated an evacuation "in an abundance of caution" because a bullet had been found in a PE locker on campus. 

"Please be assured that the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Thank you for your patience during this event," the announcement said.

By 7:57 p.m. the school district reported that all students, spectators, and community members had been evacuated and the campus was clear. "Administrators, security, and custodial staff remain on campus and are working with MBPD. District and school leaders are working together with our law enforcement and other partners.”

Finally, at 11:16 p.m., the district released the following statement: “MBPD has conducted a thorough K-9 search following tonight's evacuation and has issued an all clear. We will resume normal scheduled activities tomorrow morning. We appreciate MBPD's partnership and support in helping to provide a coordinated response. At this time, we have no information about any active threat associated with this incident. MCHS will continue to investigate this incident over the coming days and will work with law enforcement as appropriate. We continue to encourage our community to be vigilant in reporting any concerns to District and/or school staff. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this incident.” 

A week later, on October 10, MBUSD Superintendent John Bowes wrote the following in an email to parents: 

"All attendees safely exited the campus, and the administration team, security, and custodial staff remained on site to assist the Manhattan Beach Police Department (MBPD) as they conducted their work. Throughout the evening, three communications were shared from the Public Information Office through text and email with all our families and staff.