Authorities investigate after weapons confiscated at 2 Broward schools

MIRAMAR, Fla. – Authorities have confirmed that another weapon was found on campus at Miramar High School Tuesday, prompting Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Howard Hepburn to schedule a press conference to address growing safety concerns.

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According to Hepburn, the second weapon — a loaded pistol — was discovered wrapped in a shirt and hidden inside an unlocked locker in the men’s locker room.

Multiple students reportedly have access to the lockers, raising questions about who placed the gun there and how long it had been on campus.

Authorities said police K-9 units have been sweeping the campus as a precaution, searching for any additional weapons.

“We were alerted to where it was. It wasn’t with anyone but one of the things we’re doing after collecting the weapon is we’re looking backwards to do forensics on it,” a Miramar police officer said during Tuesday’s press conference.

3 p.m. report

Tuesday’s incident comes a day after a 17-year-old student from Miramar High School was arrested for allegedly bringing an unloaded handgun onto campus.

The student, identified as Jayden Williams, appeared in juvenile court Tuesday morning. Authorities said a metal detector at the school alerted security personnel Monday, leading to the discovery and confiscation of that weapon.

Court records show that Williams has no prior criminal history.

His mother, speaking briefly with Local 10 News outside the courtroom, said she did not know where her son obtained the gun.

A judge ordered Williams to remain in secure detention for 21 days. He was also barred from returning to Miramar High unless granted permission by the school board.

A follow-up hearing is scheduled for May 12 to assess the case and determine next steps.

In a separate case, a student at Renaissance Charter School was arrested Tuesday for possessing weapons on campus. Authorities also confirmed that a second arrest is pending further investigation.

The Pembroke Pines Police Department wrote in a post on X that the weapons appeared to be part of a self-defense kit, including a pocketknife and other accessories that can be easily purchased online.

Police said neither student made any threats toward classmates, staff or the school itself, and officials emphasized there were no safety concerns on that campus.

The age, gender or identity of the student in custody has not been disclosed by police.

In a statement provided by Renaissance Charter School Communications Representative Collene Reynolds, the school acknowledged the incident and shared the message that was sent to parents:

“We would like to thank our students and staff for following our safety protocol by saying something to a trusted adult when they overheard a conversation and saw that a student brought a key chain to school that included a pocketknife and other accessories that could be considered weapons,” she said. “We immediately involved Pembroke Pines Police Department, who investigated and arrested the student. There was never a threat to the school or any students, however, we have a zero tolerance policy for weapons of any kind on campus. Please remind your children that it is never appropriate to bring any type of weapon to school. Thank you for your continued trust as we work together to build strong minds and good hearts.”

Authorities are continuing to investigate all three incidents and the motive behind the students allegedly bringing the weapons to school.

In addition, officials credited the school’s layered safety systems for helping prevent a potential tragedy. They said the metal detection system successfully flagged Monday’s weapon incident, while the district’s “see something, say something” initiative led to Tuesday’s discovery.

“Safety starts at home, so make sure you’re having these chats with your students to make sure they don’t have anything in their rooms, backpacks and drawers,” said Hepburn.

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