SCHENECTADY - An alarming incident occurred at Mont Pleasant Middle School in Schenectady when a student was discovered carrying a loaded firearm in his backpack on Friday, according to local law enforcement.
Despite the shocking discovery, the school district confirmed that the student did not issue any threats. The loaded weapon was found by a vigilant member of the school’s safety team during a routine check of the student’s backpack.
As a result of this incident, the student is now facing serious legal consequences, including a weapons charge, police reported.
The school administration promptly alerted the police about the situation at approximately 1 p.m. on Friday.
Upon receiving the report, officers were dispatched to the school where they confirmed that a firearm had indeed been recovered by the school staff.
Further investigation revealed that the weapon in question was a loaded .45 caliber handgun, which had been in the possession of a seventh-grade student.
The backpack containing the weapon was secured by the school staff, while the student was taken into police custody.
In response to the incident, the school district initiated a secure lockout and hold in place protocol, as detailed in a letter sent to parents and posted on the district’s website.
The letter stated, “Upon questioning a student, administrators discovered a gun in the student’s backpack. Police were immediately contacted. The student did not make a threat. The discovery was made when a member of the safety team inspected the student’s backpack.“
The hold in place protocol, which ensures everyone stays in their current location, was lifted at 2:40 p.m., as mentioned in the district’s letter.
The letter concluded with a reminder to parents, “Safety is always a top priority. Please remind your children to always report when they see or hear something that doesn’t seem right.“
The student, whose identity has been withheld due to his age, was charged with one count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a felony.
I disagree with this behavior; schools should be safe places for learning.