RED WING, Minn., Oct. 10, 2025 – This morning at approximately 7:30 a.m., Burnside Elementary School received a phone call in which the caller stated that someone was going to bring a gun to a school. No additional details were provided by the caller.
The school district immediately notified the Red Wing Police Department. Out of an abundance of caution, the school was placed into a soft lockdown while law enforcement began its investigation, and numerous officers responded to each school within Red Wing.
Initially, investigators believed a potential suspect had been identified. However, after receiving additional information, it was determined that the individual was not involved. Unfortunately, this resulted in some miscommunication to the school and parents that the lockdown was lifted briefly before being reinitiated.
Through the continued work of the Red Wing Police Department’s Patrol and Investigations Division, a suspect was identified within a few hours. The suspect has been identified as Hilary Obanion-Cheney, 33 years old. Obanion-Cheney is being charged with disorderly conduct after discussion with the Goodhue County Attorney’s Office.
The Red Wing Police Department commends the Red Wing School staff and district leaders for their professionalism and quick actions in both protecting students and managing the large number of concerned parents who came to the school. Their calm response ensured that children remained safe and reassured throughout the incident.
Superintendent Bob Jaszczak stated:
“We understand that threats involving schools and children are very frightening. This morning was no exception. We were working with rapidly changing information as well as extremely difficult timing as some students were already at school, and others were in transit. Red Wing Public Schools would like to thank the Red Wing Police Department for their quick response to the situation.”
