PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — The yellow alert at William T. Dwyer Community High School in Palm Beach Gardens on Wednesday was over a student with a firearm on campus, officials with the School District of Palm Beach County said.
In a message sent to parents Thursday, Principal Corey Brooks said school police acted on a tip and discovered the weapon.
Brooks said the weapon was never displayed or used in a threatening manner.
"In fifth period, a bunch of people were talking about it," Aaron Viera said as classes dismissed for the day on Thursday.
A parent who contacted WPTV confirmed the report of a student with a gun earlier Thursday. Also, a cellphone video sent to WPTV showed an individual being led into a police vehicle as the incident ended.
The district source said the student also apparently told police there were other weapons on campus, which prompted a large response from law enforcement, but no other weapons were found.
Brooks said the student in possession of the weapon was arrested and faces criminal charges.
Curt Lavarello at the School Safety Advocacy Council in Sarasota said incidents like this are rising again.
"When COVID came along, everything kind of tailed off, but now it's coming back with a vengeance," Lavarello said. "Our numbers of firearms and violence at schools is far greater than in the two years leading up to the pandemic."
As for students at Dwyer High School, they said the incident and yellow alert did concern them.
"After one incident, I'm not going to worry anymore, but yeah still worrying a little bit," Viera said.
Below is the full message sent by the school to parents Thursday:
"Hello Dwyer High School Parents and Guardians. This is an important message from Mr. Brooks.
I want to update you on Wednesday’s code yellow. School Police acted on a tip that led to the discovery of a firearm on campus. The weapon was never displayed or used in a threatening manner. The student in possession of the weapon was arrested and faces criminal charges.
The School District is committed to ensuring a safe learning and working environment for all students and staff. Strict disciplinary action may be taken against any student or individual who violates the District’s Zero Tolerance Policy as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
We all play a role in school safety. Students and staff are encouraged to report any suspicious activity through the Fortify Florida app.
Feel free to call the school if you have any questions or concerns. Have a great evening, and GO Panthers!"