Tension gripped Freedom High School in Tampa as it went into lockdown yesterday morning, due to a student reported as potentially armed. According to FOX 13 News, another student alerted a teacher after thinking they saw a student with a gun, triggering the school's emergency response. Tampa Police responded just before 9:30 a.m. to investigate the matter. The student who was reported did not make any threats, and it was later discovered the supposed weapon was, in fact, a cellphone in a case designed to resemble a handgun.
In the wake of the incident, criticism arose regarding the police's handling of the situation. "It wasn't even a real gun… why do your officers have guns on children that didn't?" questioned Alcia Hernandez, whose son was inside the gym when the event unfolded, in an interview obtained by WTSP. Additionally, student Aramis Velazquez detailed the fear many students felt, saying "I didn’t think I was gonna make it." Parents, learning of the lockout, rushed to the school in fear for their children's safety.
An aviation unit was among the police resources dispatched as the school went into lockout status. During this period, according to a WTSP report, "business as usual" continued inside, while the external threats were assessed. Eventually, officials found the student with the gun-shaped phone case in the school's gym.
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw provided a statement to the community through multiple news outlets, underscoring the importance of vigilance. "We understand that news like this is deeply concerning and can cause anxiety for parents and the entire community," he said, according to WFLA. He continued to express his appreciation for the swift action of the student and teacher involved in reporting the incident. Bercaw urged parents to "take this opportunity to talk with your children about school safety, what is appropriate to bring to school, and the importance of reporting anything that seems suspicious." The student in question may now face charges amidst ongoing investigations, according to Tampa police.
