Clark County School District faces an alarming surge in gun-related incidents, with 20 firearms seized on school properties halfway through the 2024/2025 academic year.
At a Glance
- 20 guns confiscated in Clark County schools since August 2024
- Legacy High School in North Las Vegas reports 6 gun-related incidents
- Some confiscated firearms linked to gang activity and self-defense concerns
- CCSD maintains strict expulsion policy for students found with firearms
- Incidents have heightened safety concerns among parents and community
Escalating Gun Seizures in Clark County Schools
The Clark County School District (CCSD) is grappling with a worrying trend as school police seized more than 20 guns halfway through the 2024/2025 school year. The alarming statistic has raised significant safety concerns among parents, students, and staff. Legacy High School in North Las Vegas has become a focal point of these incidents, with nearly a third of the confiscated firearms found on its campus.
Other schools affected include Mojave High School, Del Sol High School, Swainston Middle School, and Cheyenne High School.
Two juveniles have been arrested after Clark County School District police found a gun at a Las Vegas valley high school campus. https://t.co/o3xf2fzVqJ
— 8 News Now (@8NewsNow) February 22, 2024
Legacy High School: A Hotspot for Firearms
Legacy High School has reported six gun-related incidents since August 2024, with at least four of these firearms belonging to students – one of the confiscated weapons was linked to a gang member. On August 16, two guns were found in a car at Legacy High, one belonging to a student and the other to an adult who was not charged.
“My daughter comes here every day. We send our kids to school, expecting them to come safe,” parent Tiffany Sanchez said.
Adding to the concern, on August 19, a substitute teacher brought a gun to Legacy High and was arrested, though her case was later dismissed after completing sentencing terms.
Gangs and Self-Defense: Motivations Behind Gun Possession
The motivations behind students bringing firearms to school are diverse and troubling. On October 23, a student at Legacy High admitted to carrying a stolen gun for protection and was associated with gang members.
The Clark County School District has responded to these incidents with a strict policy mandating automatic expulsion for any student discovered with a firearm on campus. This zero-tolerance approach aims to deter students from bringing weapons to school and maintain a secure learning environment. However, the continued occurrences suggest that more comprehensive strategies may be necessary to address the root causes of gun possession among students.
Community Response and Safety Measures
The surge in gun-related incidents has prompted a strong response from the Clark County School District Police Department. A spokesperson for the CCSDPD emphasized their commitment to campus safety, stating, “The Clark County School District Police Department works to keep CCSD campuses safe for students, staff, and the community.” The department has been diligent in their efforts, with weapons recovered not only on school grounds but also in adjacent areas and during traffic stops.
