Wednesday, December 19 2012 2:16 PM EST2012-12-19 19:16:22 GMT
In an email to Minneapolis residents Wednesday, Mayor R.T. Rybak said the fight against gun violence locally is nothing new, while endorsing the Obama administration's push for gun policy changes.
In an email to Minneapolis residents Wednesday, Mayor R.T. Rybak said the fight against gun violence locally is nothing new, while endorsing the Obama administration's push for federal gun policy changes.
Wednesday, December 19 2012 12:35 PM EST2012-12-19 17:35:22 GMT
All schools in Red Wing, Minn. are on partial lockdown Wednesday as police investigate an unconfirmed threat of violence.
All schools in Red Wing, Minn. are on partial lockdown Wednesday as police investigate an unconfirmed threat of violence.
MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) -
Minneapolis Public Schools worked with Minneapolis police Wednesday morning to apprehend a staff member at Seward Montessori School who had a loaded gun in their locker on campus.
Officers found the fully-loaded .357 Magnum revolver in the staff member's purse, which was stored in a locker in the teachers' lounge.
The staff member has a permit to carry, but that doesn't apply to schools. She also indicated to police she was carrying the gun in response to the school shooting in Connecticut.
No staff members or students were harmed or threatened by this incident and there was no evidence the employee intended to use the weapon. Bringing a gun to school is against Minnesota law and violates Minneapolis Public Schools policy.
MPS followed its security procedures and alerted police to the issue at Seward Montessori. Officers recovered the weapon at 8:30 a.m. and the staff member was immediately removed from the building and placed on administrative leave.
As a precaution, Seward remained on code yellow for the duration of the school day Wednesday. During a code yellow, classes continue as usual, but students remain in their rooms.
Families received an automated phone call informing them of the incident.
"We are confident in our emergency and safety plans and continuously drill, practice and refine our safety protocols and procedures," the school district said in a statement. "MPS safety policies and procedures were observed today just as on any other day. MPS school leaders have been vigilant in preparing for emergency situations by reviewing safety plans with their Site Emergency Team and staff and making sure staff members were clear on their roles and responsibilities."
MPS and the Minneapolis Police Department continue to investigate the incident.
