As concerns about school violence in Orlando continue to grow, Orange County Public Schools District 5 School Board Member Vicki-Elaine Felder will host a community meeting to address the safety of students in the community surrounding Carver Middle School and Eccleston Elementary. Some shocking events, including a gun violence incident at a local middle school that could have been far worse, have sparked community outrage.
According to police, a 13-year-old boy was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school and carrying a concealed firearm, after a recent shooting that happened near the Orlando middle school. A 14-year-old was also charged with carrying a concealed firearm in the incident. The 13-year-old boy is reported to be a student at private school El Bethel Christian Academy. He opened fire and caused a large panic with a crowd of students at dismissal time.
Carver Middle School has had several fights break out after school in the weeks before the shooting. But it’s not the only local school facing violence issues.
Here in Central Florida, recent incidents at three high schools in Seminole and Orange resulted in at least 14 students being arrested for violence or threats. OCPS Superintendent Barbara Jenkins issued a message that any violence or threats of violence, real or a prank, will not be tolerated.
Is school violence getting out of control in Orlando, Florida?
Orlando Police Department and Orange County Sheriff’s Office representatives will be joining the School Board member, along with City Commissioners Regina Hill and Bakari Burns.
