A potential weapons scare at Shafer Middle School in Bensalem was shut down quickly on Friday after a student spoke up and school staff moved in. The student reported seeing a classmate with what looked like a gun tucked into his waistband, prompting a school administrator to locate the student and take the object. Police later determined it was a BB gun. No injuries were reported, and authorities say the investigation is ongoing.
Officials praise reporting and fast action
According to a Facebook post from Bensalem Police, the incident began when the reporting student said the other boy lifted his shirt to reveal what appeared to be a firearm in his waistband. The department said the school resource officer and other officers were notified and responded, while a school administrator quickly and safely recovered the suspected weapon.
Police stated they will not release the identities of the students involved. The department publicly thanked both the student who came forward and the school staff for acting fast and helping keep the campus safe.
Investigation, discipline and a second student
Local coverage confirms the object was determined to be a BB gun and that a second student had also brought a BB gun to school, according to FOX29. The outlet reported that Shafer Middle School administrators will handle internal discipline for both students while Bensalem Police continue their investigation. Authorities reiterated that no one was hurt during the incident.
Where this fits locally
Shafer has seen safety scares before. Police and school officials increased security at the campus after an online threat in 2022, CBS Philadelphia reported. School leaders and law enforcement continue to stress that quick reporting by students and trained responses from staff are key tools in keeping local schools safe.
