Students weigh in on guns in schools

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - A 15-year-old student is now at the Juvenile Assessment Center in Leon County for allegedly bringing a gun to school, according to the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.

Godby High School officials were tipped off that a student possibly had the gun Monday afternoon while on school grounds.

Shortly after receiving the information, the School Resource Deputy along with school administration searched the student, and safely recovered a handgun. The 15-year-old boy is now charged with possession of a firearm on campus.

One parent WCTV spoke with says she wasn’t aware that a gun was found at her daughter’s school but knowing now, she’s terrified.

Several students also shared their fears knowing classmates have been able to get the weapons on school grounds.

One student, Clarence Moses, an 11th grader at Godby says this is a serious matter. One that needs a solution soon.

“A change needs to be made, and you know that’s just how I feel,” he said.

WCTV spoke with Superintendent Rocky Hanna back in September, after three other guns were recovered in separate incidents, all on LCS campuses. At that time he said the district is looking into preventive measures but the community and parents share responsibility as well.

“There is no reason that these teenagers should be able to get their hands on a firearm. None. So, for the people who are leaving their cars unlocked, shame on you. The parents that are leaving their guns unlocked at home, shame on you. As adults in this community, we need to step up and take responsibility,” said Hanna.

Some of the solutions the district will be looking into, mentioned by Hanna would include metal detectors at the high schools. He also said the district will continue stressing the consequences students will face if caught with a weapon.

All of the teens who’ve been found to have guns on campus have been arrested and face charges of possession of a weapon on school property.

In a statement that was made Tuesday, a school district spokesperson doubled down on Hanna’s previous statement saying, “Students are safe at Leon County Schools but that the schools reflect their communities and there’s a larger national trend that we must all work together to solve.”

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