Student faces possible charges for gun brought to Santa Fe charter school

SANTA FE, N.M. — Officials say a middle school student faces possible charges for bringing a gun to a Santa Fe charter school Wednesday.

The incident prompted a shelter-in-place at Turquoise Trail Charter School around noon Wednesday.

The head administrator issued a letter, saying the student brought the gun to show to friends. The administrator said students saw this happening and “promptly” turned the student in.

Nearly 20 law enforcement officers reportedly responded to the campus “within minutes.” They lifted the shelter-in-place around 2:11 p.m. The school dismissed students at 2:30 p.m.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office learned from someone the gun was in the town of Bernalillo. Investigators allege another student received the gun at the school, then hid it in Bernalillo.

Detectives say they found the gun loaded. There was no manufacturer identification or serial number but is believed to be a 9mm handgun.

The suspected student who brought the gun, whose name won’t be released, faces expulsion and possible criminal charges. No charges have been filed yet.

School started two hours later Thursday for administrators to debrief with staff and faculty.