On January 28th, 2026, Yorba Linda High School received a shelter-in-place order for everyone on campus. 

On Wednesday morning, students were in class as usual until 9:46 AM, when the principal, Dr. Bird Potter, announced the commencement of the shelter-in-place protocol and that threats had been received. The school kept students, staff, and parents updated as they worked with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to heighten security.

According to the Sheriff’s department’s Instagram, “deputies responded to Yorba Linda High School and are actively investigating suspicious circumstances” at approximately 9:00 AM. As of 11:10 AM, the school day resumed as normal. However, there was increased law enforcement stationed around campus to ensure everyone’s safety.

Some students found it nerve-racking, especially when calls and texts from parents began coming in, and they heard helicopters overhead. Most students, like Freya Lu (11), felt “safe and cared for” during the entire event. There were many tense moments over the 2 hours, especially for the younger students. 

Katherine Kotanjian (11) was in math at the start of the shutdown. She found that “[she] was fine until the freshman and sophomore years started freaking out,” causing her anxiety to spike. It seems to be a common sentiment among students, as Violet Moore (11) found that “it was really unexpected and nerve-racking.” 

After the shelter-in-place was lifted, parents rushed to pick up their students from school. PYLUSD officials rallied together to get students to their parents, as hundreds of students were lined up at the admin office door, signing out on notebook sheets. They had tables both inside and outside, reassuring parents about student safety. 

ABC channel 7 issued a broadcast about the shelter-in-place order at YLHS with aerial shots and reporter Bianca Buono explaining the situation.

Dr. Bird Potter released a statement to parents afterward, stating, “All school activities and operations resumed as scheduled,” and she reiterated that the “safety and security of our students and staff is the number one priority at Yorba Linda High School…”

Yorba Linda High School responded promptly to the issue, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department conducted a thorough and clear sweep. The administration had a clear plan of action, kept students, parents, and staff informed, and provided information as soon as it became available. After the shelter-in-place order was lifted, many staff and students felt safe returning to class, and most classes continued as usual. Yorba Linda High School will remain a strong institution that prioritizes students.