Airsoft Guns Seized After Brick Student's Snapchat Stirs Concern

BRICK, NJ — Brick Township police seized airsoft weapons after a student's Snapchat post showing weapons in the background sparked concerns about a potential threat, police said Monday.

The Snapchat post, which was reported to police on Sunday, showed a Veterans Memorial Middle School student with a package of Smarties candy, police said, and the weapons were in the background. The student sent the post to other Veterans Memorial Middle School students.

Police found the student and saw the weapons were airsoft, which are not firearms, police said.

"The weapons were seized for safekeeping while what is an active investigation is ongoing," Police Chief James Riccio said. "We will not be providing any further details about the incident because the suspect is a juvenile."

"It was, however, important for us to assure the public that the incident was taken seriously, is being investigated and that there was no imminent threat to the public or the school in particular," Riccio said.

"Brick Police and Brick Schools are committed to the safety and well-being of all our students, staff, parents and community," a joint statement from police and the school district said.

"We always take such threats seriously and ... we encourage anyone who sees or hears of suspicious activity to report it immediately," the statement said.

Threats or suspicious activity can be reported directly to the Brick Township Police Department, to school district officials or by using the WeTip link on the Brick Schools.

Note: This article has been updated with additional information from Police Chief James Riccio.

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