Macon County, NC -- November 12, 2026: Law enforcement officers responded to Mountain Valley Intermediate School on Thursday morning, Nov. 12, 2026, following a report that a student claimed to be in possession of a firearm while riding a school bus. A subsequent search confirmed that no weapon was present.
According to a statement shared with families by Principal Breedlove on social media, the incident began during the morning bus route when a student alerted authorities that a classmate claimed to have a gun.
Mountain Valley Intermediate School’s School Resource Officer, assisted by deputies from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, intercepted the bus upon its arrival at the Franklin campus. Officers conducted a thorough search and determined the claim was unfounded, finding no firearm or weapon on the bus or among the students.
In her communication to parents and guardians, Principal Breedlove commended the student who promptly reported the statement, noting that school counselors were made available throughout the day for any students needing support or reassurance. She also encouraged families to speak with their children about the serious consequences of making false threats or joking about weapons, reiterating that school officials and law enforcement treat every report with full urgency.
No injuries were reported, and normal school operations continued following the law enforcement clearance.