A teenage student was taken into custody after a loaded firearm was discovered in a backpack during a security screening at the Queens School for Career Development in Jamaica, Queens. The incident occurred just after 2:00 p.m. on September 14, 2026.
School staff conducting a routine check of student belongings identified the backpack as requiring further inspection. A 911 call was placed, prompting officers from the New York Police Department's 113th Precinct to respond to the scene. Upon opening the bag, officers found a single loaded gun.
The presence of the weapon led officers to arrest the student on site. The police department confirmed that the firearm was the only weapon recovered and that the arrest was made promptly after the discovery. The school, which serves career‑focused education, was placed on lockdown briefly while the investigation was conducted, after which normal operations resumed.
Authorities have not released additional information regarding the student's identity, the type of firearm, or any potential motive. The NYPD indicated that the incident underscores the importance of routine security screenings in educational settings. The teen remains in police custody pending further processing, and the school is cooperating with investigators as they complete their inquiry.
No injuries were reported, and there were no additional weapons found. The incident concluded without further disruption to the school day after the student was removed and the area was cleared. The NYPD continues to monitor safety protocols at schools throughout the city.