Police respond to shooting threat at Bloomington High School South

Bloomington police responded to reports of a threat Monday at Bloomington High School South, in which a male student allegedly said he planned to "break the record" of the Dec. 14 school shooting in Newtown, Conn., according to a press release.

According to the press release, the male student indicated he had a gun in his locker and stated a shooting would take place Friday.

No weapons were discovered upon a search of the student’s lockers and backpack.

During questioning with an investigating officer, for which the school’s assistant principal and the student’s parents were present, the student said he was “excited” when he heard about the Connecticut shooting, according to the press release.

A search warrant was obtained Tuesday, and law enforcement removed two rifles, two shotguns and two handguns, as well as ammunition, from the student’s residence.

According to the press release, the search and seizure was permissible through the Jake Laird Law, which allows officials to removed weapons from an individual who poses a threat.

“The student who reported the alleged threats to school officials is to be commended for doing so,” according to the press release. “Sharing this type of information rather than downplaying or ignoring it is exactly what school officials and law enforcement have encouraged students to do to avert possible tragedies.”

— Kirsten Clark