A custodian at King High School in Tampa has been taken into custody for bringing a firearm onto the school premises. As reported by FOX 13 News, Michael Difabio, 58, was arrested after a gun was found secured in a maintenance closet on the school campus. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office was alerted to the situation at around 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday.
Subsequent investigations by the Sheriff's Office determined that the firearm did indeed belong to Difabio, who had wanted to resign immediately upon his arrest after being employed by the high school since January 2023. Tampa Free Press provided these details, highlighting the swift response of the school administrators in contacting HCSO's STAR Team upon the discovery of the weapon.
"There is no place for weapons on school grounds," Sheriff Chad Chronister stated firmly. In a stance echoed by local law enforcement, Chronister reinforced the notion that schools are meant to be safe spaces for students and staff alike. This sentiment was shared by local outlets following the incident, with the first day of the school year fast approaching and the authorities maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to weapons on campus. WFLA News further cited Sheriff Chronister, underlining that the well-being and security of those in the educational environment are paramount.
