A student is in custody after bringing a gun and knife to a Salina elementary school on Friday.

According to USD 305, it was discovered Friday morning that a student brought a gun and knife to school at Stewart Elementary. The student brought the gun and knife not with the intention of harming anyone, but was in response to a fake Facebook post that the student believed to be true.

The gun and knife were immediately secured and police contacted.

The student has been removed from the school property.

An investigation continues as Salina USD 305 is working closely with the Salina Police Department.

According to Salina Police, their investigation revealed the student brought the handgun to school as means of protection and had not made any overt actions or threats to place the school in imminent danger. The student’s actions were in response to fears over recent incidents of school violence

and social media postings.

The parents were unaware their child had taken the handgun from the home and no charges against the parents are anticipated. The student is being referred to juvenile court.

Police are encouraging parents to talk to their children about concerns they have about school violence. Along with parents, students should feel comfortable talking to school staff and school resource officers about general and specific threats.

The district holds safety and security of its students and staff as the highest priority.