One student told Chute Middle School officials that a 13-year-old boy showed a handgun to his classmates on Monday morning, Evanston police said. The school was initially put on soft lockdown, but it was lifted after school officials took the gun from the armed student.
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"My nephew is 11, I mean we don't have weapons but I think you know, you wonder how these kids get hands on weapons," said Rene Hernandez, uncle of student.
Evanston police responded to the school, located in the 1400 block of Oakton, at about 11 a.m. The boy was taken into custody and brought to the police station for questioning.
Students said near the end of the day, the principal called them into the auditorium to discuss the situation.
"I was also shocked because where did he get the gun from? I was also questioning it. Where he got the gun from. If he didn't buy the gun, if it was with the parents why didn't the parents either leave it somewhere safe," said sixth grader Mia Olvera.
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The investigation has not revealed any credible threats against other students or school officials, police said.
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The school sent a letter to parents, writing in part, "We are grateful for the thoughtful response of our Chute team, district emergency response team, and the Evanston Police Department in handling this matter with the utmost urgency and care. We are also extending our appreciation to the student who brought this forward. As in all of our schools, we work to create safe and supportive environments where there are trusting relationships among students and staff. We encourage students to continue to bring matters of concern forward."
Last June, hundreds of students at the school walked out of class to protest gun violence and support restrictions on the sale and use of guns. The protest occurred two weeks after a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.
The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.