Banning High School boosts security at graduation following deadly shooting near campus

An increased security presence was at the Banning High School graduation on Thursday night, following a deadly shooting near the school last night.

“Safety is our number one priority," Terrence Davis, the Superintendent of Banning Unified School District.

Davis said it’s vital that students and staff feel protected at all times.

“We value that because we want to do what's best for people in our community," he said.

Some people were on high alert, following a shooting near Banning High School on Wednesday night leaving a 20-year-old man dead.

It happened after the graduation ceremony for Coombs Alternative Education, but did not happen on school property.

Banning Unified School District put out the following statement:

“Unfortunately, it happened in our space. As people were still exiting, which gives it that sense of this is too close to home," said Davis.

It prompted the school district to up its police presence for Banning High School’s graduation on Thursday.

“As they are embarking upon their graduation, we just want to make sure that we are present, and that we make people and staff know that we are here to protect them to the best of our abilities."

Banning Police along with other local departments, including Beaumont Police and the Riverside County Sheriff were present.

About 20 law enforcement agents were on patrol during the graduation plus the security teams.

“Security staff in the event outside of the event on the street. And one of the things that they've done is really contained the area to ensure there's really one point of exit one point of entry, which may be a little tedious in terms of getting in or leaving, but it ensures a safe environment," Davis said.

Davis explained that safety is something the district focuses on everyday. He emphasized that gun violence is national problem and that the district is doing everything it can for students here to feel protected.

“Given the world that we live in now, things happen all the time. But, how can we take those lessons to continue to improve and increase our security for the district wise, and then work with local law enforcement to ensure the area is safe as it can be.”