The Seattle Police Department has increased patrols around Nova High School this morning after suspicious chemicals were found outside a gender-neutral restroom shortly after an arson fire was set on campus.
Police responded to Nova High School this morning around 7:30 AM after receiving a report someone had set fire to the principal’s office door. The fire was extinguished before it spread.
School staff then found a chemical sprayed outside a gender-neutral restroom on campus, and SPD’s Arson/Bomb detectives are investigating whether it is the same substance used to ignite the principal’s office door.
Bias Crimes detectives are also reviewing the incident because of the evidence found outside the gender-neutral bathroom.
School officials are continuing classes through the day and working closely with police to ensure the safety of students on campus.
UPDATE: Here are images of the damage caused by the fire, as well as a picture of the exterior of the gender-neutral restroom:
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- Scorch marks left on office door
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- Fire damage near the office
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- Undamaged gender-neutral restroom
