6th Grade Student Brought Knife, Gun to KIPP DC School

The entire elementary and middle school campus was put on lockdown after the weapons were discovered

A sixth grade student was arrested after police say he brought a gun and a knife to KIPP DC's Benning Campus Tuesday.

The student was arguing with a girl over a pencil at the school in Southeast D.C. when he pulled out a pocket knife and threatened to stab her, according to a D.C. police report. The report says the boy then lifted his shirt and showed a handgun tucked into his waistband.

School officials put the entire elementary and middle school campus on Benning Road SE on lockdown about 1 p.m.

Officers who responded recovered both weapons.

"My grandson ain't but 5 years old and he was scared," grandmother Debra Gant told News4. "I kept on asking him, 'Are you OK? Are you OK?' because I knew he was nervous."

"KEY Academy and MPD will be conducting a full investigation and the student will not return to school until it is complete," KIPP DC officials said in a letter sent to parents.

"Bringing real or fake weapons to school is grounds for disciplinary action, including expulsion," the letter said in part. "We encourage you to speak with your child about the importance of talking to a staff member if they have concerns about something they have seen or heard on campus."

The boy was charged as a juvenile with assault with a dangerous weapon.

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