Wayne Rodgers, vice-principal of Charles P. Allen High School in Bedford, Nova Scotia, has filed a lawsuit against security guard Ryan Cosgrove, alleging negligence that contributed to Rodgers’ stabbing by a student in a March 20, 2023 school attack. The lawsuit claims Cosgrove failed to properly search the student after discovering a weapon, leaving Rodgers alone with the teenager who then stabbed him twice. Rodgers sustained serious injuries and continues to suffer physical and psychological effects. The legal action, initiated on April 28, 2025, highlights concerns about security procedures and school safety amid rising violent incidents in the region’s schools.
Details of the Incident and Lawsuit
On March 20, 2023, a violent incident occurred at Charles P. Allen High School in Bedford, Nova Scotia, when a student attacked Wayne Rodgers, the school’s vice-principal. According to the lawsuit filed by Rodgers on April 28, 2025, security guard Ryan Cosgrove encountered the student with a weapon but failed to conduct a thorough search that could have prevented the subsequent attack. Rodgers alleges that after discovery of the weapon, Cosgrove allowed the student to be in close proximity to him without sufficient supervision, resulting in the vice-principal being stabbed twice.
Nature of Injuries and Impact on Rodgers
Rodgers sustained serious physical injuries from the stabbing that required immediate medical attention. Beyond the physical harm, he continues to endure psychological trauma related to the assault. The lawsuit emphasizes both these ongoing effects, portraying the incident as a life-changing event that has impacted Rodgers’ professional and personal well-being.
Allegations of Negligence and Security Procedure Failures
The legal filing asserts that Cosgrove’s inadequate actions reflect a breach of duty regarding the security policies established for the school. The suit claims negligence in his failure to properly follow protocol, which includes conducting comprehensive searches and maintaining vigilant supervision of students identified as potential threats.
Broader Context of School Safety Concerns
This lawsuit brings renewed attention to the security measures and safety protocols used in schools across the Bedford region and beyond. Recent years have seen a rise in violent incidents within educational institutions, prompting calls for enhanced training and stricter enforcement of security procedures among staff responsible for student safety.
Legal Proceedings and Community Response
The case is currently ongoing, with potential implications for how security is managed in schools throughout Nova Scotia. Community members, educators, and policymakers are closely monitoring the developments, as the outcome may influence future approaches to preventing violence and ensuring a safe environment for students and staff.
The lawsuit filed by Wayne Rodgers against security guard Ryan Cosgrove underscores significant concerns regarding school safety and the adequacy of security protocols in educational settings. As the legal proceedings continue, the case highlights the critical need for thorough training and strict adherence to security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The ongoing attention from the community and stakeholders reflects a broader imperative to strengthen protections within schools to ensure the safety and well-being of both staff and students.
