PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Providence police seized a gun that was found to be in the possession of a middle school student on Friday.

In an email to the Esek Hopkins Middle School community, Principal Luis Fernandez said the incident happened outside the building during dismissal and the student was immediately placed under administrative supervision.

Police were called in to secure the weapon, according to Fernandez, and the child’s parents were notified.

“As a parent myself, I am alarmed and concerned by this incident,” Fernandez wrote in the email. “Our schools need to be a safe place for our students and staff.”

Fernandez said that to his knowledge, the gun was not brought out during the school day and there were no threats reported.

The principal also said the school has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to weapons and encouraged parents to speak with their children about the “serious dangers and consequences” of having a weapon in their possession.

“I want to thank the school community for the prompt response and especially the staff who came forward with their concern,” Fernandez added. “I also want to thank police for their quick response to this matter.”

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