An investigation is underway after a gun was found in the backpack of a student at a school in Manhattan Beach, the local school district says.
The incident was detailed in an email to parents from Manhattan Beach Unified School District Superintendent Dr. John Bowes. The email says that on Wednesday, a staff member at Manhattan Beach Middle School overheard a conversation between students near the end of the school day that led to the opening of an investigation.
After that point, a staff member opened the backpack of a student. A firearm was found inside the backpack, the district says.
The firearm was not loaded.
The Manhattan Beach Police Department and school resource officers responded to the campus immediately, though it’s not currently clear if a student was placed under arrest.
“The MBPD investigation is ongoing, and we are working closely with them. Due to this, we cannot share additional details,” the email reads in part.
According to the district, authorities believe the incident was isolated and there is no ongoing threat.
“We take the safety and security of our staff and students very seriously,” the email reads in part. “This is an opportunity for parents and guardians to discuss with their children the importance of using good judgment and avoiding dangerous activities. We want to remind everyone to report any behavior or statements that raise safety concerns to our staff or local authorities.”
The school remains open on Thursday.
No additional details were immediately made available.