What happened when a Fayette student brought a gun to middle school

A student brought a handgun to Lexington’s Tates Creek Middle School Thursday, principal Kelly Sirginnis told families in a message.

“While the student possessing this item had no intent of harming their classmates or staff, dangerous weapons are strictly prohibited at school,” Sirginnis said. “The item was quickly removed by the Fayette County Public Schools Police Department and appropriate disciplinary, legal and supportive action was taken.”

“The situation was resolved within 10 minutes of the initial report. All students and staff are safe,” Sirginnis said.

There was no intent to use the item on school grounds. The item was never displayed, and there is no indication that other students were aware of its presence, she said.

The latest data available in Fayette County’s Kentucky School report card shows that 20 weapons — they aren’t broken down by type — were found in Fayette schools in 2024-2025.

Students bringing weapons to school accounted for 35.4% of total student behavior incidents in Fayette schools in 2024-2025.

The incident, Sirginnis said, provides “the opportunity for us to reinforce to our children that inappropriate objects or items that could cause harm to themselves or other students are not allowed at school.“

“Please help us at home by talking with your children about the importance of making good choices and monitoring what they put in their backpacks,” Sirginnis told families.