HUNTSVILLE — Huntsville School System security and a Huntsville Police Department school resource officer prevented a potential tragedy on Wednesday after stopping a McNair Junior High School student from entering the school with two handguns.

Officials with HPD said that the weapon detection system used by Huntsville City Schools detected the firearms. Following the discovery, the student was immediately arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a pistol by a minor.

The school did not identify the offender, but noted the student was in the 8th grade. McNair Junior High School released a statement following the incident:

Dear McNair families and staff,

Please be advised that an 8th-grade student is in police custody after attempting to bring multiple firearms into the school building this morning.

Our campus security team discovered the weapons during our morning screening process with our weapon detection system. Upon discovering the items, the student was stopped immediately without incident. Law enforcement removed the student from campus, and the student involved will not be returning to school as attempting to bring weapons to campus carries serious disciplinary consequences.

We ask for your continued support in ensuring students are unable to access weapons at home and checking your child’s backpack before they leave for school. Additionally, please speak with your student about the importance of “see something, say something” to report any concerns to a teacher or administrator.

Huntsville City Schools has said that the student will not be returning.