Panic tore through a Washington state high school Thursday afternoon when a violent stabbing left six people injured, sending students and staff scrambling for safety and triggering a rapid police response that brought the chaos under control within minutes.

Authorities say the incident unfolded at Foss High School in Tacoma, where what began as "some type of an altercation" quickly escalated into a serious attack. By the time first responders arrived, multiple victims needed urgent medical care and the campus was locked down.

Six Victims Rushed to Hospital

Five students and an adult security guard were transported to hospital, according to Tacoma Fire Department officials. Early reports painted a dire picture, with four students initially listed in critical condition.

But hours later, officials delivered a measure of relief. By 16:00 local time, all six victims were confirmed to be in stable condition.

The suspect, also a student at the school, was among those injured.

Suspect Arrested Within Minutes

Police responded to reports of an active assault at 13:35 local time and quickly located the suspect on campus.

Shelbie Boyd, a spokeswoman for the Tacoma Police Department, said officers were "able to locate the individual" and secure the scene "pretty quickly", preventing further harm.

The suspect was taken into custody and later booked on five counts of first-degree assault.

Investigation Intensifies

As investigators worked into the evening, authorities called on the public for help, urging anyone with video or information to come forward.

Boyd confirmed the investigation would "carry on into the night", signaling that key questions remain about what sparked the violence and how it escalated so rapidly.

School Closure and Community Impact

In the wake of the attack, Foss High School announced it will remain closed Friday. Classes are expected to resume Monday, May 4, with counselors on site to support students and staff grappling with the aftermath.

The incident has reignited painful memories for the school community.

A Troubling Echo of the Past

Foss High School was the site of a deadly shooting in 2007, when 17-year-old Samnang Kok was killed in a hallway. The gunman, Douglas Chanthabouly, was later convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 23 years in prison.

Now, nearly two decades later, another violent episode has shaken the campus, raising fresh concerns about student safety and the risks facing schools across the country.

As the investigation continues, families and officials are left searching for answers and hoping this latest act of violence will not define the future of the community.