MARION, Ill. — Police will have an increased presence today at Marion Junior High School after a student was found to have a firearm in their backpack Wednesday afternoon.

In a statement released by Marion Unit 2 School District, at 2:13 p.m., the Marion Junior High School Administrative Team was informed that a student made a statement about being in possession of a firearm in their backpack.

The Administrative Team immediately contacted law enforcement. The firearm was found in the student’s locker by administrators at 2:17 p.m. and handed it over to Marion Police upon arrival. Marion Police removed the student from the school. The matter has been turned over to Marion Police.

The school district takes this matter seriously and will always make the safety of our students and staff a top priority. It is safe to send your child to Marion Junior High today.