ONTARIO, Oregon — At 10 a.m. on Wednesday morning, the Ontario School District emailed parents and staff to let them know that weapons had been discovered at Ontario High School.
District officials say that a tip from a "concerned individual" led school officials and a student resource officer to "contain" a student before they entered the building with a handgun in their backpack.
WATCH: Hear from district leaders about the incident
An initial investigation into the incident revealed that no threats were made to students or staff.
However, the subsequent investigation found that another student was also in possession of a weapon on campus.
A student resource officer and staff located the other student, who also had a handgun in their backpack.
Both handguns were unloaded according to Ontario School District Superintendent Nicole Albisu.
“Having a weapon at school is a very serious thing and especially if it’s a firearm and there’s just no tolerance for that — so that’s an immediate expulsion hearing at the very least," said Albisu.
Both students, who are 16 years old, have been transported to a juvenile detention center.
An investigation into the incidents is underway, and criminal charges are expected to be forwarded to the Malheur County District Attorney for prosecution.
Despite the incidents, Ontario High School maintained its normal schedule.
School officials encourage parents, students, and staff who witness suspicious behavior to report it immediately. "Our staff, students, and parents are often the first line of defense," reads the release.
The Ontario School District has a "Zero-Tolerance Policy" when it comes to weapons.
The district's website states, "If there is ever an instance where a threat could potentially pose harm to student or staff safety, we will immediately be in contact with families."
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