Teen arrested with loaded gun after threatening to shoot up school
- A 16-year-old student was arrested at Cardozo High School after a social media threat of a school shooting.
- Police found the student with a loaded handgun in his backpack, following a tip from the National Threat Operations Center.
- The situation highlights the importance of community vigilance in maintaining school safety.
In Queens, New York City, a serious incident unfolded at Cardozo High School on September 18, 2025, when a 16-year-old student was arrested for allegedly threatening to carry out a shooting. Police were alerted at about 11:30 a.m. after a concerning social media post surfaced, indicating the student's intentions to 'shoot the school up.' The FBI and the NYPD responded quickly, highlighting the importance of community vigilance in preventing violence. The threat was reported just over an hour prior at 10:17 a.m., allowing law enforcement to act swiftly to avert a potential tragedy. Upon entering the school, officers located the 10th grader in his classroom and conducted a search of his backpack, revealing a loaded 9mm Taurus GX4 pistol containing 13 rounds of ammunition. The discovery raised significant alarm as the incident exposed a critical issue concerning school safety and the presence of firearms in educational environments. New York City officials have been advocating for measures to enhance safety within schools, portrayed by Mayor Eric Adams as evidence of effective community engagement, where vigilant citizens acted preemptively by informing authorities of the troubling post. FBI officials confirmed that a tip regarding the potential threat was received by the National Threat Operations Center, which initiated the rapid response that led to the student's arrest. This incident provoked serious discussions among local leaders and educators about the existing safety protocols in schools. While Cardozo High School does not typically use metal detectors, officials noted that the school had no previous history of gun-related incidents in the past year, making this occurrence particularly unsettling for students, staff, and parents alike. The Mayor, expressing relief at preventing a potential disaster, underscored that the alertness of the community ultimately played a pivotal role in diffusing the situation, allowing students and staff to return safely. His reflections on the incident also hinted at broader societal issues, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive discussions on gun control, school safety measures, and the imperative for communities to stay engaged. In summary, the swift action taken by authorities potentially saved countless lives and reinforced the critical message for New York City and beyond: when you see something, say something.