AMERICAN FORK, Utah — American Fork Junior High School was placed under lockdown protocols Wednesday morning after a student was found with a handgun in their backpack. Students were kept in place inside classrooms before the lockdown was lifted and the school day continued as normal.
Just before 10:15 a.m., the American Fork Police Department said other students saw the gun inside a boy's backpack and reported it to a teacher. The handgun was recovered by a school resource officer and the boy was detained.
Video below shows officers gathered outside the school (Courtesy of Jamie Sanchez):
As the handgun was being recovered, the school was placed into "hold" status, which is the term the district uses instead of lockdown, and officers were placed throughout and around the campus.
After determining that no other threats existed, the school was released from "hold" status.
Police questioned the boy about the gun and why it was brought to school, although no motive was released as the investigation is ongoing.
"Our department is resolutely committed to the safety of our children and youth, especially while they are at school," the police department said in a statement.
By definition, a lockdown involves a possible threat inside the school building, with officials clearing all hallways and making sure classroom doors are locked.
