Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) have reported a troubling trend: 13 firearms have been confiscated on school grounds during the current academic year. The most recent incident involved a 12-year-old student at Tres Volcanes Community Collaborative K-8 School, found with a gun in his backpack on May 5, 2025.
According to the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, the student allegedly stole the firearm from his mother’s boyfriend. Initially detained, a hearing officer later ruled that the student could be placed in custody at his grandmother’s home.
District Attorney Sam Bregman expressed deep concern over the frequency of such incidents. “It’s scary, right? It’s everybody’s worst nightmare,” Bregman told KOAT. “There is nothing more dangerous than just the idea of a child on a school campus with a gun. And it’s happening far too often.”
Bregman highlighted a disturbing trend among youth, noting that firearms are increasingly seen as symbols of status, often glamorized on social media platforms. “We’re seeing this whole gun glorification amongst young people,” he said. “They sit there and pose with a gun like this, and they put it on social media, and they get some likes, and all of a sudden, they think that’s what makes them popular. It’s a toxic mix.”
The incident also brings attention to the “Bennie Hargrove Safe Storage Act,” enacted in March 2023. This law mandates that firearm owners securely store their weapons to prevent access by minors. Under this legislation, if a child brandishes a negligently stored firearm, the responsible adult could face misdemeanor charges; if someone is harmed, felony charges may apply.
Bregman emphasized the importance of investigating how minors obtain firearms. “We are going to investigate every time a child gets their hands on a gun,” he stated. “For example, any type of gun crime in the juvenile system, our offices—we don’t even discuss any possible plea resolution or anything like that until they tell us where they got the gun.”
The rising number of firearms found in schools has prompted calls for legislative action. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and other officials have expressed frustration over the lack of updates to the state’s Children’s Code, which hasn’t seen significant revisions since before the advent of the iPhone. There is a growing consensus that laws need to evolve to address the current realities faced by students and educators.
A Troubling Trend: Firearms in APS Schools
The number of firearms found on APS campuses has risen alarmingly. While specific details of all 13 incidents have not been publicly disclosed, notable cases include:
- February 2025: Four separate incidents in one week where students were found with guns at different APS schools.
- Volcano Vista High School: A student reported another carrying a firearm, leading to its confiscation.
- West Mesa High School: A 16-year-old student was found with a gun in his backpack.
These incidents underscore a growing concern about student access to firearms and the potential risks within school environments.
Legal Framework: Consequences for Students and Parents
New Mexico law strictly prohibits the possession of firearms on school premises, including buildings, playgrounds, and buses. Violations are classified as fourth-degree felonies.
In 2023, the state enacted a law criminalizing the negligent storage of firearms accessible to children. If a minor uses an improperly stored firearm to threaten or harm someone, the responsible adult can face misdemeanor or felony charges, with penalties up to 18 months in prison.
Additionally, federal law makes it illegal to have a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school, further emphasizing the seriousness of such offenses.
Addressing the Issue: Measures and Challenges
In response to the rise in firearm incidents, APS has implemented several measures:
- Zero-Tolerance Policy: Students found in possession of a firearm on school grounds face a mandatory one-year expulsion, with possible modifications on a case-by-case basis.
- Increased Security Measures: Some schools have adopted technological solutions, such as AI-powered weapon detection systems, to enhance campus safety.
- Community Engagement: Officials have launched public awareness campaigns to educate parents and students about the dangers and legal consequences of bringing firearms to school.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist. District Attorney Bregman has criticized the outdated nature of the Children’s Code, emphasizing the need for laws that reflect current realities, particularly concerning juvenile offenses involving firearms.
Guidance for Parents: Preventing Future Incidents
Parents play a crucial role in preventing firearms from entering school environments. Key recommendations include:
- Secure Firearm Storage: Ensure all firearms are stored securely and are inaccessible to children.
- Open Communication: Talk to children about the dangers of firearms and the importance of reporting any knowledge of weapons at school.
- Monitor Social Media: Be aware of your child’s online activity, as social media can influence perceptions about firearms.
By taking these proactive steps, parents can help create a safer environment for all students and prevent future tragedies.