Handgun Found In Student’s Backpack At William Penn High School

On Tuesday William Penn High School issued a statement to families regarding an incident involving the discovery of a handgun in a student’s backpack.

The full statement reads:

Families,

We want to make you aware of a situation that occurred this morning at William Penn. Thanks to a tip from a concerned citizen, we investigated and discovered a handgun in a student’s backpack.  

Upon discovering the item at 7:20 am this morning, our School Resource Officer immediately followed all safety protocols and placed the student in appropriate care. At no point was there any direct threat to other students or staff, and the situation was handled with urgency and discretion. We are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and are cooperating fully with Delaware State Police to ensure a thorough resolution.

The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities. We applaud the person who notified the school and encourage all to say something when they see or hear something that could jeopardize others. Our school remains committed to providing a safe environment for all students, and additional measures are being taken to review and strengthen our security procedures.

Thank you for your understanding and support.