News Summary
Arizona State Representative Lydia Hernandez and her daughter face serious allegations after reportedly attempting to bring a box cutter onto the campus of Maryvale High School. The incident, which follows a recent tragic stabbing, has drawn strong condemnation from local leaders and sparked calls for their resignation. Both women deny wrongdoing, claiming they were testing school security. An investigation is underway as the community grapples with the implications for school safety.
Phoenix, Arizona – Outrage is escalating as Arizona State Representative Lydia Hernandez and her daughter, Cassandra Hernandez, face allegations of trying to bring a box cutter onto the campus of Maryvale High School. This incident unfolded just one week after the tragic stabbing that resulted in the death of 16-year-old Michael Montoya II.
The Phoenix Union High School District (PXU) reported that both women passed through a security checkpoint where they attempted to circumvent the school’s safety systems. During a security search, a box cutter was found in a bag thought to belong to Cassandra Hernandez. It has been claimed that the pair filmed their interaction with school security while trying to enter with the unauthorized weapon. Lydia Hernandez purportedly told security that their actions were a “test” of the school’s weapon detection systems.
Local leaders have been swift in their response, with councilwomen Betty Guardado and Anna Hernandez calling for the resignation of both women due to what they describe as a “blatant disregard for safety.” Since the incident came to light, demands for their resignation have heightened from various community and state leaders. State Representative Cesar Aguilar expressed heartbreak and urged a necessary accountability system regarding child safety in educational environments.
In response to the allegations, both Lydia and Cassandra Hernandez have denied any wrongdoing. Lydia stated she had been present at Maryvale High School to support worried parents in light of the recent violence, while Cassandra claimed she was employed and working a shift at EOS Fitness during the time the incident transpired, providing proof of her employment status.
Lydia Hernandez has labeled the allegations made by PXU as false and defamatory, arguing that she did not capture any videos of their interactions or claim to be testing security systems. Meanwhile, both women have called for an independent investigation into the claims and requested the release of any surveillance video to verify their accounts.
As the situation unfolds, the Phoenix Police Department has initiated an investigation, which includes interviewing security guards involved and gathering evidence. PXU officials announced they are conducting an internal review that includes examining video surveillance and speaking with witnesses regarding the incident.
Arizona House Democrats characterized the accusations against Lydia Hernandez as alarming, reiterating the importance of maintaining safe school environments. They emphasized that no individual should ever participate in actions deemed reckless at educational institutions.
In light of the incident, PXU has indicated they are considering legal actions, which may include filing charges and enforcing trespass orders against the Hernandez family. The investigation is ongoing, and the public eagerly awaits further developments in the case.
This controversial incident not only raises questions about safety measures currently in place within schools but also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a secure environment for students and staff alike. The implications for the involved individuals and the larger community continue to unfold as this story develops.
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
