Loaded gun found in student's locker at West Hempstead High School

Loaded gun found in student's locker at West Hempstead High School Stacey Sager has the details on the arrest. WABC By Eyewitness News Tuesday, November 10, 2026 10:51PM Share Follow abc7NY on Google WEST HEMPSTEAD, Long Island (WABC) -- A 15-year-old West Hempstead High School student was arrested after school security discovered a loaded firearm in the student's locker Monday, according to school officials and Nassau County police. The discovery prompted heightened security measures at the school Tuesday, with students reporting bag checks and an increased security presence at the building. "I'm wondering why someone would wanna bring a weapon like this to school, you know," one student said. Another student described the security measures, saying: "They were checking bags this morning. There was someone in the front lobby. He wasn't in a police uniform but he had a gun and it's scary to see someone with a gun in school." When asked whether bag checks were typical, the student responded, "That's not normal here." In a letter to families, the school superintendent said the school security team discovered the loaded firearm and "immediately safeguarded the weapon." The superintendent described Monday's events as "deeply unsettling" but said they also demonstrated "the importance of reporting concerns and responding immediately." Parents and students expressed concern about safety following the incident. "The safety of our kids. Kids should not be worried, should not be scared to go to school," said parent Billy Marne. "I just want people to be safe and make sure no one gets hurt," said senior Joseph Gonzalez. Police said the student told investigators he had been involved in a fight with another student from Hempstead High School. Police said it may be that he never intended to use the weapon on the West Hempstead High School campus. School administrators told families they will use the incident as an opportunity to re-evaluate security protocols, according to the superintendent's letter. Central Park rape suspect arrested while working in Miami, linked to 2 others 21 minutes ago Stanley Zabar, co-owner of iconic Upper West Side grocery store, dies at 94 12 minutes ago Helicopter pilot made mayday call moments before hard landing on pier in Bayonne 31 minutes ago ---------- * More Long Island news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics WEST HEMPSTEAD NASSAU COUNTY GUNS WEAPONS HIGH SCHOOL Watch Live ON NOW Suspect in 3 Central Park rapes arrested working at Miami Burger King 21 minutes ago Stanley Zabar, co-owner of iconic NYC grocery store, dies at 94 12 minutes ago Helicopter pilot made mayday call moments before hard landing on pier 31 minutes ago Coastal low to impact NYC, Tri-State area | Live updates 43 minutes ago EMTs rescue injured bald eagle from side of the road 34 minutes ago Man accused of posing as war hero, stealing $81K from veterans 6 minutes ago Grand jury indicts man on murder charge in Katie Suarez's killing 14 minutes ago Brooklyn man beaten in wrongful NYPD arrest files lawsuit 38 minutes ago