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Gun discovered at RKA

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Two teenagers were charged with criminal possession of a firearm last week after one of them was caught bringing a gun into Riverdale/Kingsbridge Academy.

The two students — ages 13 and 14 — were found with a .22-caliber pistol Friday morning at the West 237th Street school, according to the New York Police Department.

Investigators concluded the 13-year-old brought the gun to RKA, but then gave it to the older boy, who in turn stashed it in his bag. Police did not release either of the boys’ names because of their age.

RKA principal Lori O’Mara sent a letter home with students afterward, informing parents that the firearm was immediately recovered, and that all students were safe.

Some parents told a local news outlet they were informed the gun was not loaded.

The arrest comes on the heels of a reported social media threat police said occurred at the school last month when someone posted on Instragram what authorities believed was a threat against the school. Afterward, RKA started searching student bags, looked to install metal detectors, and shared the changes during a town hall with parents.

Now school officials have reportedly told parents that more personnel will be added to RKA’s existing security detail.

“There is no place for weapons in our schools,” said Barbot Miranda, spokeswoman at the city’s education department.

“We are providing the school with additional safety support.”

Riverdale/Kingsbridge Academy, New York Police Department, Lori O'Mara, Zak Kostro, Simone JOhnson,