Handgun Recovered at Champlin Park High School; 17-year-old Student Arrested

CHAMPLIN, Minn.
A 17-year-old student was taken into custody Monday after a handgun was recovered inside Champlin Park High School, according to authorities, marking the second firearm-related incident at the school in recent months.

Police said Brooklyn Park Police Department received a tip at approximately 11:15 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, indicating that a student might be in possession of a handgun on school grounds. An on-site school resource officer, working in coordination with school administrators, identified the student and recovered the weapon within minutes.

No injuries were reported, and officials said the recovery and arrest occurred without threats or violence. The student, described by police as a 17-year-old male, was arrested and booked at the Hennepin County Juvenile Detention Center. The incident remains under investigation, and authorities have not released details about how the firearm entered the school or whether it was loaded.

School response and safety measures

Because the student was quickly identified and the weapon secured, school officials determined that a lockdown was not necessary. Parents and guardians were notified later in the day that all students and staff were safe.

In a statement, the Anoka-Hennepin School District reiterated its zero-tolerance policy regarding weapons on school property. District policy generally calls for immediate disciplinary action, including expulsion proceedings, when a firearm is brought onto campus, in addition to any criminal consequences.

Under Minnesota law, knowingly possessing a dangerous weapon on school property is typically charged as a felony, with limited statutory exceptions.

A troubling pattern

Monday’s arrest follows a similar incident at Champlin Park High School on October 24, 2025, when two 15-year-old students were arrested after a handgun was found in a backpack during the school day. That case also resulted in juvenile detention bookings and renewed scrutiny of school safety protocols.

The Champlin incident also comes amid broader concern across Minnesota. A statewide analysis published in 2025 found that nearly 200 firearms were recovered from school settings over a two-year period, with handguns accounting for more than half of those cases.

What remains unknown

Authorities have not yet said what charges prosecutors may pursue or whether additional individuals could face consequences. Because the suspect is a juvenile, further details may be limited by state privacy laws.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and emphasized that the swift reporting of concerns by students or staff remains a critical factor in preventing more serious outcomes.

MinneapoliMedia