Belen Jesuit implements heightened security measures after student found with gun, Miami-Dade deputies say
A Belen Jesuit Preparatory School student was located and a firearm was seized after a video surfaced showing him allegedly displaying a weapon off campus, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.
"We have been working this story all afternoon and the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office now tells us they have not only located the student but they have also impounded his gun," officials said Wednesday.
The school responded by increasing security measures at its Southwest 5th Street and 127th Avenue campus.
School alerted authorities after video surfaced
Administrators said they were notified of the video and immediately contacted law enforcement.
In a joint statement, the principal and president said:
"To be clear, we have not received any threat of violence nor was a threat made to any person…following our standard operating procedures, we have informed our security team and they will implement heightened security measures."
"The safety of everyone on our campus will always be our number one priority. We hope that everyone—student, faculty, staff and parents—can work together to remain vigilant."
Crisis services and ongoing investigation
The student was taken into custody under Florida's Baker Act to receive crisis services, deputies said. His age and grade level have not been released.
Investigators are still working to determine who recorded the video and how it circulated online. The Homeland Security Bureau is leading the case. No arrests have been made, and interviews are ongoing.
Precautionary measures taken
The school emphasized that while no threats were made, additional safety protocols are now in place.
The principal and president are not speaking on camera. Requests for updated comment
have not been returned.
Letter sent to parents
A letter to parents sent earlier in the week noted that the school had been made aware of a video involving a student with a possible weapon and was taking the matter seriously.
"The safety of everyone on our campus will always be our number one priority," the letter said. "We hope that everyone—students, faculty, staff, and parents—can work together to remain vigilant."
The sheriff's office says the investigation remains active.