KENT, Wash. -- Sequoia Middle School in Kent took part in a drill Friday in which four armed terrorists took students and teachers hostage, reported KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.

Police and school officials said the exercise was loosely scripted so that SWAT, police and fire personnel could react much like they would if there were a real threat at the school.

At approximately 1:15 p.m., the students were gathered inside their classrooms when the drill started, and four men posing as gunmen approached the campus and were confronted by a security guard.

The school was put on lockdown, and an emergency plan was activated.

During the drill, SWAT teams came in first, exchanged fire with one of the mock terrorists and one officer was hit by gunfire.

As the scenario unfolded, staff and students were being tested, with only a select few playing the parts of hostages and injured victims.

School officials said that in light of recent events, such as the shootings at Virginia Tech, a practice run was necessary for the safety of students and adults.