Lincoln Police were called to Prescott Elementary School to assist with a security incident reported to administration on Friday. According to LPS a fifth grade student showed another student a handgun in their backpack and made concerning comments about violence toward that student.
A student then told their teacher who immediately called administrators. According to LPS officials the administrators removed the backpack from the coat hooks and brought it to the office. Police then responded to the school.
An officer found a loaded handgun in the student’s backpack. The students’ families were contacted and police began their investigation by talking with the students involved.
LPS says the student who brought the firearm to school will be facing legal consequences . District officials say because the backpack was secured immediately and the situation was made safe quickly there was not a need to use any Standard Response Protocols.
“We will continue to work with Lincoln Police and Lincoln Public Schools Security to ensure a safe learning environment for everyone at Prescott,” the district said in a statement.
Prescott Principal JJ Wilkins sent an email to families: “We know this is concerning news to hear. We are very proud of the student who reported the safety concern to their teacher when they felt unsafe. It is the important work of our staff at Prescott in building trusting relationships with our students that lead to this serious situation being resolved without anyone being hurt. We are thankful for the quick response by Lincoln Police and their continued collaboration in keeping our students and staff safe.”