Daijiworld Media Network - New York

New York, Sep 19: A coordinated operation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the New York Police Department (NYPD) prevented a possible school shooting at Benjamin Cardozo High School in Queens on Thursday, leading to the arrest of a 16-year-old student found with a loaded firearm.

The threat came to light after the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center received an anonymous tip. NYPD officers, working with FBI agents, swiftly located and apprehended the student without incident.

In a statement, the FBI’s New York field office said, “Earlier today, the FBI informed @NYPDnews of a threat to life involving Benjamin Cardozo High School in Queens. The NYPD deployed to the high school to address this potential threat, which led to a successful outcome. This swift response demonstrates the importance of close partnerships and the critical need for information-sharing to ensure our city and students are protected against unnecessary acts of violence.”

FBI Director Kash Patel added, “Earlier today, the FBI's National Threat Operations Center received a tip regarding a potential school shooting at Benjamin Cardozo High School. Based on a quick response by the NYPD and FBI personnel, a student was arrested with a loaded firearm. The FBI will continue to work tirelessly to protect our children. Huge thanks to the NYPD and @NewYorkFBI for teaming up yet again to protect our country.”

New York Mayor Eric Adams expressed relief over the incident, noting the effectiveness of the city’s public safety system. “Today, we breathe a sigh of relief because our public safety system worked and countless lives were saved. The NYPD has arrested a 16-year-old student at Cardozo High School who brought a gun to school and posted online threats to commit a shooting there,” he said.

The incident highlights the crucial role of inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding students and preventing violence in schools.