Eden Prairie Schools Add Security Measures After Homecoming Shooting

Eden Prairie Schools will maintain heightened security for the football team's final home game on Friday. The district confirmed that metal detectors, bag checks, and an increased police presence will remain at the stadium. This follows an October 2 shooting in the parking lot that injured two students.

The incident occurred outside the stadium during a homecoming game. Police identified the victims as 17- and 18-year-olds. School officials stated that neither victim had a connection to Eden Prairie schools. Law enforcement agencies have made six arrests in connection with the case.

Parents gathered for a packed meeting with school and public safety officials to discuss safety protocols. Brenda, a parent of triplets, expressed her frustration to the group. “I am not shocked, I am angry,” she said. Another parent questioned why the safety plan did not extend to the perimeter, specifically the parking lot, rather than focusing only on the interior of the stadium.

Dr. Jaysen Anderson, principal of Eden Prairie High School, acknowledged the emotional impact of the event. “It’s traumatic to all of us and I still feel tremendous sadness that all of us had to experience that,” Anderson told the parents. He described the occurrence as a nightmare scenario.

District leaders outlined existing security infrastructure during the meeting. They noted that schools feature 1,000 security cameras both inside and outside buildings. The facilities also include reinforced exterior doors, locks, and front lobby entries that require visitors to be buzzed in.

Jason Mutzenberger, the district’s Director of Business Services, addressed the use of metal detectors. He explained that the district is currently researching daily implementation. “We’re using them at football games, but we don’t have them anywhere else at this point,” Mutzenberger said. He added that the district is not yet ready to commit to daily use but will continue to study the option.

Tang Lee, the emergency management coordinator, stated that district employees completed an after-action review of the October 2 incident. He said the goal is to balance safety with accessibility. “We want to build castles, not prisons,” Lee told parents. The district is now soliciting feedback from families on preferred security steps.