Student Found with Handgun at Hillsboro High School; Investigation Ongoing

Hillsboro, Mo. (KFMO) - A student was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon after being found in possession of a firearm at Hillsboro High School, prompting a swift response from school officials and law enforcement.

According to Superintendent Dr. Jon Isaacson, school administrators were notified late in the day on April 29, 2026 that a student may have been carrying a weapon on campus. Administration immediately contacted on-site School Resource Officers with the Hillsboro Police Department, who responded and quickly located the student.

Following an investigation, authorities confirmed the student was in possession of an unloaded handgun and ammunition. The student was immediately secured and taken into custody.

School officials emphasized that there was no active threat to students or staff at any point during the incident. At this time, there is no information indicating the student intended to use the weapon to harm others.

District leaders say incidents involving firearms on school property are taken extremely seriously and are handled in accordance with the Missouri Safe Schools Act. Under district policy, consequences for such violations can range from a superintendent-level suspension to expulsion.

The district is continuing to work closely with law enforcement as the investigation remains ongoing. Due to privacy laws, no additional details about the student have been released.

Superintendent Isaacson also thanked students and staff who reported the situation, reinforcing the importance of the “see something, say something” approach to school safety.