Unloaded handgun found on student at a Chapel Hill high school

Officials at a high school in Chapel Hill said they are investigating after a student had an unloaded handgun on campus on Wednesday.

In a message sent to parents, East Chapel Hill High School principal Jesse M. Casey said he received a call about a student who may have a gun on campus. Casey said officials worked to identify the student. According to Casey, the student was escorted to his office without incident.

“With the support of our SRO and other staff, we conducted a search and discovered an unloaded handgun in the student’s possession, which was immediately confiscated and secured,” Casey said.

Casey added that the gun was not used or displayed in a threatening manner. The school day was not disrupted.

Casey said the incident is believed to be isolated, and officials are taking it very seriously.

“You already know that the safety of our staff and students is our highest priority,” Casey said.

“We will continue to address the matter directly with the individual involved and their family. Student privacy laws prevent me from sharing additional details about our response,” Casey wrote.

Casey assured parents he and his team will continue to check in on students to “ensure they feel safe and supported.” School counselors and social workers will be visible and available.