Seven-year-old brought loaded gun to NYC school, police say

(CBS/WCBS) NEW YORK - A 7-year-old New York City boy is under investigation after police say he brought a .22 caliber handgun to his school in Queens Thursday.

The Department of Education says the gun was found in the boy's backpack while he was attending Wave Preparatory Academy in Far Rockaway, CBS New York reports.

The school was placed on lockdown and the gun was confiscated by the school safety officer, officials reportedly said. The student's parents were also notified.

According to the New York Times, parents were given a notice that said: "Due to an incident today there was need to secure all students in their classrooms. This procedure is called a lockdown. Our school-based support team is prepared to assist you with any emotional needs as a result of today's lockdown."

There was no information on why the student had the weapon or how it was discovered.

The incident comes as the nation is gripped by debates over gun control and school security in the wake of the shooting in Newtown, Conn. where 20 children and six adults were killed by a gunman at Sandy Hook Elementary School.