NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Is it a harmless gesture, or a serious threat?
One East Tennessee high school student found out the hard way pointing a finger gun is loaded with consequences, thanks to two new state laws aimed at cracking down on school threats.
According to law enforcement, the student was caught on camera “reaching into the front of his waistband and acting like he was pulling out a firearm and shooting toward the front of the bus at middle/elementary students who were singing/chanting an ABC song,” the incident report said.
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When the school resource officer asked the student why he made the gesture, the student reportedly said the kids singing were making him angry, so he responded by making that gesture, according to the report.
The high school student, who NewsNation affiliate WKRN is not naming, along with his school and district at his mother’s request, was suspended and charged with making threats of mass violence on schools, a Class E felony.