Tennessee middle school student found with gun, principal responds with letter

ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF) – Athens City Middle School administrators sent a letter home to parents letting them know a student brought a gun to school. The letter states on Tuesday the student brought an unloaded handgun, not to do harm but with the purpose of selling it.

Administrators say they waited to write the letter to make sure they had all the complete information. They say a police officer responded to the school when administrators learned from students that an unloaded handgun was hidden above one of the ceiling tiles in the bathroom.

School officials say this is the first time an incident like this has happened at Athens City Middle School. They say their top priority is to keep children safe.

Police say the student was charged with carrying a weapon on school property.