Two separate weapon discoveries at Miramar High School this week have prompted increased scrutiny of campus safety protocols. The incidents unfolded within a 48-hour period, raising alarms among parents and school officials.
The first weapon was found Monday. A 17-year-old student, Jayden Williams, was arrested after a metal detection system on campus flagged his schoolbag. The subsequent search found an unloaded handgun inside the bag.
On Tuesday, a second weapon was discovered on the premises of Miramar High School. This finding involved a loaded pistol wrapped in a shirt and hidden in an unlocked locker within a men's locker room. Authorities indicated the discovery followed a tip received through the district's "see something, say something" initiative.
Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Howard Hepburn scheduled a press conference Tuesday afternoon to provide an update on the incidents and address mounting safety concerns following the second weapon discovery.
Williams appeared in juvenile court Tuesday morning. The judge ordered him held in secure detention for 21 days. He was also explicitly prohibited from returning to the Miramar High School campus without specific permission from the school board.
His mother, speaking briefly outside the courtroom, stated she did not know where her son obtained the firearm. Court records indicate Williams has no previous criminal history.
Police K-9 units swept the school campus Tuesday as a precautionary measure, searching for any other potential weapons.
While officials credited safety measures for their role in the detections, the presence of two weapons on campus within such a short time frame raises questions about the effectiveness of overall security environments.
The investigation into both incidents remains ongoing. Authorities are seeking to determine who placed the loaded pistol in the locker and the motive behind Williams allegedly bringing the unloaded handgun to school.
During Williams' court appearance, the judge questioned him regarding access to weapons.
"You shall not have any access to any weapons, including, but not limited to, firearms or ammunition. Do you understand?” the judge asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” the student replied.
No additional arrests had been made publicly regarding either incident as of Tuesday afternoon after 2nd weapon found at miramar high school.