Walla Walla police investigate threatening graffiti at Garrison Middle School, security increased
By Dan Thesman on Saturday, January 17th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla Public Schools officials are working with local police to investigate threatening graffiti discovered at Garrison Middle School earlier this month, Superintendent Ben Gauyan announced Friday in a letter to families.
The graffiti was found in a campus restroom after school hours. While no additional threats have been discovered since the initial report, the district has increased security measures. Staff have ramped up monitoring of restrooms and hallways, and administrators are currently reviewing security camera footage in coordination detectives from the Walla Walla Police Department.
To ensure student and staff safety, an increased police presence will be stationed on the Garrison campus Tuesday as classes resume following the holiday weekend.
“We continue to take this matter very seriously,” Gauyan said, noting that Principal Kim Doepker has remained in frequent contact with families regarding the investigation. “The Garrison team will remain on heightened alert and is committed to responding quickly and thoughtfully to any concerns.”
District officials are urging parents and students to utilize the “If you see something, hear something, say something” protocol. Safety concerns can be reported via the district’s Safe Schools Tip Line at 855-976-8772 or online at 1057.ALERT1.US.
The district did not disclose the specific nature of the threat but emphasized that keeping schools a secure environment remains their primary focus.
