Unloaded gun found in student’s backpack at Harding HS, CMS says

CHARLOTTE — An unloaded gun was found Tuesday inside a student’s backpack at Harding University High School, according to a spokesperson for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

CMS said the gun was discovered before the bag was taken through the school’s weapon detector. In a message to families, Harding’s principal said law enforcement responded immediately and opened an investigation.

CMS said the student who owns the bag has been identified but did not share who they are.

By Channel 9′s count, the gun is the second found in just two days at a CMS school. After a student was found with a gun Monday at Coulwood STEM Academy, students were no longer allowed to bring backpacks onto campus for the remainder of the school year.

The message from Harding’s principal to families is below.

“Hello Harding University High families, This is Principal Starnes with an important message about a situation that occurred today. During morning arrival, a book bag was found on campus with a unloaded fireman by a school administrator. The book bag was discovered before it was taken through our Evolv scanners. Law enforcement responded immediately and an investigation is ongoing. The owner of the book bag has been identified.

“This is an isolated situation and all students and staff are safe, end of year testing is underway, and learning and teaching are continuing. Please speak with your students about the serious consequences of bringing a weapon of any kind to school. It is a violation of the law and the CMS Code of Student Conduct to bring any weapon on campus. Thank you for your support of Harding University High.”

(WATCH BELOW: CMPD confiscates over 400 guns in May, setting highest record in 7 years)