Student Arrested After Bringing Firearm to Belleview High Campus
A Belleview High School student was taken into custody on Friday morning after authorities discovered a firearm in the student’s backpack during a routine security sweep. The incident has shocked the local community and raised renewed concerns about school safety and student mental health.
Discovery and Arrest
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the school resource officer (SRO) received a tip around 8:30 a.m. from another student who reported suspicious behavior. The student allegedly saw the individual handling what appeared to be a weapon inside a backpack before first period. The SRO immediately alerted school administration and located the student in question.
Upon searching the backpack, deputies found a loaded handgun. The student, whose identity has not been released due to their age, was arrested without incident and charged with possession of a firearm on school property — a felony under Florida law.
Authorities confirmed that no threats were made and no injuries occurred during the incident. However, the swift intervention may have prevented a much more dangerous situation.
School Response
Belleview High School Principal Jennifer Thomas issued a statement shortly after the arrest, reassuring parents and the community that the school responded promptly and followed all safety protocols.
“We are extremely grateful to the student who reported what they saw and to our resource officer for acting quickly and professionally,” Thomas said. “The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. We encourage all students to speak up whenever they see or hear something suspicious.”
As a precaution, the school was briefly placed on lockdown during the investigation. Normal operations resumed by late morning after law enforcement cleared the campus. Additional officers were present throughout the day to support staff and reassure students.
Sheriff’s Office Statement
Sheriff Billy Woods praised the courage of the student who came forward and emphasized the importance of the “See Something, Say Something” campaign.
“This is a textbook example of how community awareness and student vigilance can prevent tragedy,” Woods stated. “We’re thankful that no one was hurt, and we will continue working closely with school officials to ensure our campuses remain safe.”
The sheriff’s office is continuing to investigate where the student obtained the firearm and whether anyone else was involved. At this time, there is no indication of a broader threat to the school or community.
Community Reaction
Parents and community members expressed both relief and concern after the incident. Many were thankful for the fast action taken by school authorities but questioned how a firearm made its way onto campus in the first place.
“I’m just grateful that my daughter is safe,” said one parent waiting to pick up her child. “But I’m also scared. It’s terrifying to think this could happen so close to home.”
Local school board member Angela Rivera echoed those concerns and called for a review of campus safety procedures. “We need to understand how this happened and make sure it doesn’t happen again. Our schools must be safe environments for learning, not places where students fear for their lives.”
Policy and Prevention
Florida law requires all public high schools to have a trained school resource officer, and many schools—including Belleview High—also utilize random searches, metal detectors, and tip lines for anonymous reports.
Still, incidents involving firearms in schools have remained a persistent issue across the country. According to the nonprofit Everytown for Gun Safety, there have been more than 100 incidents of gunfire on school grounds in the U.S. so far in 2025 alone.
In response to this latest event, the Marion County School District announced plans to hold a community forum on school safety next week. Officials said they will review security protocols, including locker and bag checks, and discuss ways to improve communication between students, staff, and law enforcement.
Mental health professionals have also been made available on campus to support students who may feel anxious or upset following the incident.
A Wake-Up Call
Friday’s arrest serves as a sobering reminder that threats to school safety can arise at any time, even in quiet suburban communities like Belleview. It highlights the importance of vigilance, communication, and robust prevention strategies.
As the investigation continues, local leaders are urging parents to talk with their children about the importance of reporting suspicious behavior and making responsible choices. They are also calling on lawmakers to take further steps to keep firearms out of the hands of minors.
Moving Forward
Though tragedy was averted, the incident has left a lasting impact on Belleview High School and the surrounding community. The focus now shifts to healing, accountability, and ensuring that students feel safe returning to the classroom.
“This could have been much worse,” Sheriff Woods said. “Let this be a reminder to every parent, every teacher, and every student — never assume it can’t happen here. We all play a role in keeping our schools safe.”
Anyone with additional information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
