FCPS High School placed on “heightened alert” after gun found in student’s backpack

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Bryan Station High School in Lexington was briefly placed on “heightened alert,” after a firearm was found in a student’s backpack, according to a letter sent to parents by the principal.

According to the letter, the firearm was found by security ambassadors at the metal detectors. The letter states “appropriate disciplinary actions” are being taken.

Read the full letter from Executive Principal Eric Hale below.

April 22, 2025

Dear Bryan Station High School Families: 

One of my top priorities as principal at Bryan Station is to make sure we have open lines of communication between home and school. Just as we hope you will let us know about situations at home that affect your children, you can trust that we will inform you anytime something unusual happens on our campus.

I’m writing to make you aware that a firearm was discovered in a student’s backpack by our security ambassadors at the metal detectors.  As part of our normal protocol, the Fayette County Public Schools Police Department and Bryan Station administrative team responded quickly and appropriate disciplinary actions are being taken.  The Station campus was placed on heightened alert for a brief period of time during the investigation.

This is an excellent opportunity for all of us to remind our students that situations like this are extremely serious. Students and parents should both understand that bringing a weapon onto school property is a felony under state law. 

I also want to remind our students and families that they can report information anonymously through the STOP Tipline on our website.  Safety is all of our responsibility and the partnership between home and school has never been more important than it is now in our school community.  We take pride in our school and in being The Pride of Northside!  Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you for the privilege of serving your family and for understanding that we take this matter very seriously. 

Sincerely,

Eric Hale

Executive Principal

Bryan Station High School