Student Arrested for Gun Threat at Queens High School

BAYSIDE, Queens (WABC) — A 16-year-old student was arrested Thursday for allegedly threatening fellow students at Benjamin Cardozo High School.

The incident unfolded around 11:45 a.m. when the boy made a threat on Instagram, stating he would "shoot the school up." The FBI detected the threat and promptly notified the NYPD.

NYPD officers from the 111th Precinct arrived at the scene and swiftly identified the student. After gaining consent from a parent, school safety agents removed him from the classroom and searched his belongings.

During the search, authorities discovered a loaded black semi-automatic .9mm handgun with 13 rounds in the magazine inside his bag. The student also had three phones, including one in a pouch provided by the school.

This student has no prior criminal history, according to officials. Following the arrest, Mayor Eric Adams spoke with reporters, expressing relief that no one was harmed.

<p;"This afternoon we are breathing a sigh of relief because Cardozo High School students and their entire staff are all safe," Mayor Adams said.

The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.