Update: Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Addresses Firearm Incident at High School
- BTW21
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Franklin County, VA – (BTW21) The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation into the firearm incident at Franklin County High School on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. A 17-year-old student was taken into custody after being found in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun on school property.
The situation unfolded when a School Resource Deputy and a school administrator responded swiftly to a report regarding a Snapchat photo showing a firearm.
The student was secured, and the weapon was discovered inside a crossbody sling bag. The school was placed on a 30-minute shelter-in-place as a precautionary measure.
The 17-year-old suspect remains in custody at the Roanoke Valley Juvenile Detention Center and is facing the following charges:
Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (18.2-308.2(A))
Possession of a Firearm on School Property (18.2-308.1(C))
Possession or Transportation of a Firearm by a Person Under Age 18 (18.2-308.7)
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office commends the quick-thinking individual who reported the concern, as well as the swift response by the School Resource Deputy and school staff.
Their decisive actions likely prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating.
This incident underscores the critical role of School Resource Deputies in maintaining a safe learning environment.
These officers not only act as first responders but also serve as mentors and liaisons, fostering open communication with students to identify and mitigate threats before they escalate.
Parents, guardians, and community members are encouraged to engage in ongoing conversations about school safety.
Discussing the dangers of weapons, the impact of bullying, and the importance of reporting suspicious behavior can prevent future incidents.
Ensuring school safety requires a collective effort from students, parents, educators, and law enforcement.
If you witness suspicious activity or potential threats, report them immediately—your voice could save lives.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting our students and staff and will provide further updates as the investigation progresses.