A community in Harford County held a vigil on Sunday to remember 15-year-old Warren Grant, who died last Friday from a shooting inside Joppatowne High School.

Grant was shot during an altercation in a restroom, which rattled students, staff and families just days into the new school year. A 16-year-old was arrested and is facing murder charges.

Those attending the vigil were asked to wear blue, which was Grant’s favorite color.

“Of course, it’s definitely hard,” freshman Keon Stewart said. “Something happens on your first four days of high school.”

The shooting sparked a massive police response as officers searched for the suspect, who is also a student at the school. He was arrested in a nearby neighborhood shortly after the shooting, police said.

Many in the community brought flowers and balloons to the school in Grant’s honor.

“It’s been kind of sad,” Stewart said. “One of the students — he’s actually my neighbor — he helped bring him out of the bathroom and tried to help him stay alive.”

Community members have been trying to support each other since the shooting.

“A lot of times we tend to go through tragedy alone,” said Joppatowne High School substitute teacher Adam Shellenbarger. “Joppatowne is such a wonderful community. I knew that there would be people in our community who would feel the need to come out here.”

Students said they hope the district will install metal detectors and add extra security.

“Just having two or three officers take, like, shifts throughout the school day,” Stewart said.

Classes canceled until Thursday

Joppatowne High School students are expected to return to the classroom on Thursday. Staff will have the option of returning on Monday but should report on Tuesday morning, the school district said.

Nearby Magnolia Middle School, Magnolia Elementary School, Joppatowne Elementary School and Riverside Elementary School will be closed on Monday.

“The tragic events of Friday have taken an emotional toll on this community and there is a need for time and space to heal,” Harford County Public Schools said in a statement.

School officials said information will be provided about meal distribute while Joppatowne High School is closed. Counseling services will also be available for students and staff from “HCPS school counselors, school psychologists, social workers and additional central office staff,” Harford County schools said.

Harford County Schools will be opening up three locations for grief counseling:

• Windsor Valley Community Center (10 a.m.-3 p.m.)
• Edgewood Boys and Girls Club (10 a.m.-3 p.m.)
• Edgewood EPICenter (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)

WJZ is a media partner of The Baltimore Banner.