Authorities in Arizona arrested a teenage student after he allegedly brought an AR-15-style rifle and ammunition to a high school in Phoenix, according to officials.
“Our staff immediately contacted local law enforcement, who arrived on the scene and confirmed the report to be true,” Gutierrez de Jimenez said, adding members of the Phoenix Police Department have launched an investigation in which school staff will fully cooperate.
Authorities revealed that additional ammunition was discovered in the teen’s lunchbox and backpack, noting arriving officers “acted quickly” and detained him at the school’s main office.
The Phoenix Union High School District said in a statement that staff called local law enforcement shortly before 1 p.m. after learning of a possible weapon.
“During our investigation, we discovered the report was accurate, and local authorities intervened and confiscated the weapon,” the school district stated.
Safety Measures Enacted
In light of the incident, Gutierrez de Jimenez informed parents in her letter that “additional safety measures” are being enforced out of an abundance of caution following the incident. She also said the school will have mental health services and emotional support available for those who may need it.Gutierrez de Jimenez also reminded students that they will not be allowed to bring backpacks on campus this week. The principal urged concerned parents and students to call the front office at (602) 764-1700 for further questions.
“As you know, the safety of our students and staff is always our top priority and a shared effort,” Gutierrez de Jimenez said. “We want to thank those who reported the incident to a trusted adult, our staff, and the Phoenix Police Department who quickly arrived on campus.”
“We recognize the severity of this situation and the fear and anxiety it causes our students and staff,” she added. “We will have social-emotional support available at school for students and staff who may need it.”
Phoenix police have also praised the response of those who informed school staff about the possibility of a student bringing a firearm onto school grounds.
“We commend those who originally reported the possibility of a weapon on school grounds to adults on campus who immediately called police,” the department said.
It was not immediately clear who the tipster or the student is, who will not be identified because the person is a minor. Neither was it clear how the student obtained the gun and ammunition.