Tuesday, November 10, 2026
A 15-year-old student was arrested Monday, Nov. 9, after a loaded firearm was recovered from his bookbag at West Hempstead Secondary School.
The incident occurred around dismissal time at West Hempstead Secondary School, prompting a security response and plans for an increased police presence on campus the following day, according to Superintendent of Schools Daniel Rehman.
According to Fifth Squad detectives, Fifth Precinct officers responded to the school, at 400 Nassau Blvd. in West Hempstead, at approximately 1:50 p.m. following a report of a recovered firearm.
Police said the teenager had been involved in an altercation with a student from Hempstead High School the previous week. Information relayed to the school about the altercation prompted a search of the 15-year-old's locker.
During the search, a loaded firearm was recovered from the student's bookbag, according to police.
In a letter to families, Rehman said the district initiated its security protocol after a school administrator received information about a potential safety concern.
During the investigation, school administrators and security personnel discovered a loaded firearm in the possession of an individual on district property, Rehman said.
School officials secured the weapon, placed the individual under supervision and contacted the Nassau County Police Department, which arrived within minutes, according to the superintendent.
“Regardless of intent, bringing a weapon onto school grounds places everyone at risk and will be treated with the utmost seriousness.”
Police said school staff detained the teenager before officers arrived. He was subsequently arrested without incident.
The teenager was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday, Nov. 10, in the Youth Section of First District Court, at 99 Main St. in Hempstead.
Rehman said the district could not release additional details because of federal and state privacy laws. He added that the district was addressing the matter under its policies and cooperating with law enforcement.
“As your superintendent, an educator, and a parent myself, I know today's incident is deeply concerning and troubling. I understand the anxiety and concern this may cause for students and families throughout our community.”
The superintendent said the district would review its existing security procedures and consider additional measures to strengthen school safety.
Out of an abundance of caution, Nassau County police were expected to maintain an increased presence on campus Tuesday, Nov. 10. Counseling and support staff would also be available to students experiencing anxiety or distress related to the incident.
Rehman thanked those who reported the concern and the administrators, security personnel and police officers who responded.
“Their actions serve as a powerful reminder that school safety is a shared responsibility.”
The district said it would provide additional information as it became available and as privacy laws permitted.
