Boy, 16, caught with loaded gun at NYC high school charged as officials reveal the weapon was one of 4,000 seized in NYC this year

The incident at Benjamin Cardozo High School in Queens has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the very real threats that students and educators face on a daily basis. The 16-year-old student, who has not been named due to his age, brought a loaded gun to school and made chilling social media posts threatening to carry out a school shooting.

According to prosecutors, the teen posted on Instagram that he was “Boutta Shoot the School Up” because he was upset about tests. The post was taken seriously by Instagram, who alerted the FBI, leading to a swift response from law enforcement. The NYPD found the teen with a Taurus GX4 handgun in his backpack, loaded with 13 rounds in the magazine. In his bedroom, two additional bullets compatible with the weapon were found.

The gun was legally purchased by a licensed firearm permit holder in South Carolina, raising questions about how it made its way to Queens. The Joint Firearms Task Force is now investigating the origin of the weapon. In response to the incident, scanners were installed at the high school to enhance security measures.

During the teen’s arraignment, prosecutors argued that he came dangerously close to carrying out a school shooting and requested that he be held without bail. The defense attorney pushed for the case to be heard in Family Court, emphasizing that the teen was cooperative and not a danger to society. Ultimately, the judge granted $100,000 bail and a $250,000 partially secured bond.

The seriousness of the allegations has not been lost on District Attorney Melinda Katz, who stated that a tragedy was averted thanks to the quick action of law enforcement. Mayor Eric Adams commended the NYPD for their efforts in removing 4,000 illegal guns from the streets in 2025, highlighting the importance of gun control in preventing future tragedies.

The teen is set to appear in court on September 26 and could face up to 1 1/3 to four years in prison if convicted. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of gun violence in schools and the need for continued vigilance in ensuring the safety of students and staff. The efforts to curb gun violence in New York City have been met with success, as the NYPD announced the removal of over 6,000 illegal guns from the streets in 2024 alone. Police Commissioner Tisch praised the department’s precision police work, highlighting the daily seizure of an average of 15 illegal guns. This milestone is a result of the relentless efforts of NYPD officers who are dedicated to zeroing in on illegal guns to save lives.

Mayor Adams also commended the significant progress made in gun control, with more than 23,700 illegal guns confiscated since the start of his administration in 2022. These guns, once destined to cause harm and devastation, are now out of circulation, protecting innocent lives and law enforcement officers from gun violence.

The success in reducing gun violence is attributed to targeted NYPD deployments in high-crime areas, gang takedowns, and proactive initiatives such as youth programs and support for the formerly incarcerated. These upstream solutions address the root causes of violence and contribute to a safer community for all residents.

While the NYPD continues its relentless efforts to remove illegal guns from the streets, Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to criminal justice. He called on lawmakers and judges to fulfill their roles in ensuring that dangerous individuals do not return to the streets after committing gun-related crimes. The mayor stressed the need for a coordinated effort across all sectors of the criminal justice system to prevent a revolving cycle of violence.

The recent decline in major crimes in New York City is a testament to the effectiveness of these collaborative efforts. By working together to address the underlying issues contributing to gun violence, law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and community organizations can create a safer and more secure environment for all residents.