RICHMOND, Texas – Officials from a Fort Bend Independent School District campus said two students were arrested after being found in possession of a firearm on Wednesday.
According to district leaders, the incident was reported at the George Bush High School in Richmond on Sept. 6.
When those on campus were made aware of the situation, the school administration and campus officers said that both students were identified and staffers conducted an additional search.
The handguns were then confiscated from both students.
The district said criminal charges are being pursued and the students are no longer on campus.
A statement from the district read in part:
“FBISD would like to commend school administration and the campus officers for taking swift and appropriate action to ensure the safety of our students and staff. The district also thanks the community member who reported this information quickly to school administration. We encourage students, staff and families to “see something, share something” when it is a matter of school safety.
As a district, we ask all parents, guardians and community members to partner with us in our efforts to keep students safe by knowing what your child is bringing to and from school. For those parents who are gun owners, we ask that you exercise responsible gun ownership, which includes knowing where your firearm is at all times and making sure that it is locked and away from any child’s hands.”
Nearly a month into the school year, parents like Michael Greco did not expect two students would be arrested for both having guns at Bush High School.
“I was just alarmed,” said Greco.
According to the Fort Bend County school district, five gun incidents have been reported since school started on August 9. Officials said one loaded gun was found at Dulles High School. At Crawford High School, one unloaded gun was found. At Marshall High School, Officials said an adult with no connection to the school was found with a gun in the parking lot after a sporting event. One of the guns found at Bush High school was loaded, officials said the second was unloaded.
In all cases, the district said arrests were made and criminal charges have been pursued.
“In each instance, swift and appropriate actions were taken by school administrators, community members and our Fort Bend ISD Police Department to keep our students and staff safe. No injuries resulted, and for that we are extremely grateful,” said the district spokesperson.
“I immediately was concerned with my daughters safety, my son’s safety as well as all the other kids,” said Greco.
The district sent a letter to parents that said in part:
“After further investigation, we can confirm that the two students had a previous altercation with each other which prompted the report from a community member. There was no threat to the school and this was an isolated incident between the two students who have been arrested.”
One of the Bush students arrested is a minor, the other is 17, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Greco said his daughter told him about fights captured on video that broke out the same day the guns were found at Bush High School.
“Then just knowing that she comes home telling me about three fights all in one day. That is upsetting. I’d like to see some sort of security measures enhanced,” Greco said.
With months left in the school year, Greco hopes the safety improves.