Palm Bay High Student, 17, Arrested After Bringing Gun to School

A 17-year-old student was arrested on Friday morning after attempting to bring a loaded handgun onto the campus of Palm Bay Magnet High School in Melbourne.

The incident occurred around 8:58 a.m. when the school's OPENGATE Weapons Detection system alerted staff to the presence of a firearm.

School officials immediately confiscated the weapon, and the student was taken into police custody without further incident.

Authorities have charged the student with possession of a firearm on school grounds and possession of a firearm by a minor under 18.

According to Melbourne police, the student did not make it past the security checkpoint, ensuring the safety of all students and staff.

Brevard Public Schools praised the effectiveness of the OPENGATE system, stating that its implementation "potentially saved lives today."

The district emphasized that at no point did the student pose a threat beyond the initial security area.

In response to this incident, the school district is reviewing its security protocols to further enhance campus safety.

Parents and community members are encouraged to discuss the importance of school safety with their children and to report any suspicious activity to school authorities.

For more information on the school's security measures, please contact the Brevard Public Schools administration office.