A 13-year-old middle school student was arrested Wednesday after a school resource officer discovered an unloaded handgun in their possession on only the second day of the new school year, according to authorities.
According to Franklin Middle School principal Brian Schiffer’s statement and CBS Baltimore’s reporting, the officer conducted the search after receiving information that the student may be in possession of marijuana. The handgun was found, and the student was taken into custody.
Schiffer addressed the incident in a message to families, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and encouraging students and parents to report any safety concerns to school officials.
“We must work together to ensure our school remains a safe and welcoming environment for all students,” he said in the statement.
“Please speak with your child(ren) and remind them that harmful choices and disruptive and dangerous behaviors have a significant impact on our entire school community.”
This comes as juvenile arrests in Maryland have increased dramatically, according to CBS News Baltimore, with a 146% increase between 2023 and 2024.
“They go to court and nothing happens to them,” Jerome, a neighbor who refused to give his last name, told the outlet. “They spend a little time and come back out here and do the same thing over and over.”
The student is now facing firearm-related charges, according to the outlet.
