Safety concerns are being raised after police seized a loaded firearm at a high school in Bedford, N.S. on Thursday.

Things were back to normal at Charles P. Allen High School on Friday, but some students and parents said they are still shaken after the incident.

“I know my daughter was a little apprehensive this morning…so I think it was shocking that something like this could happen to her in our community but I just saw her and everything is back to normal it seems,” said Colleen McKenzie.

Police received an anonymous tip Thursday morning that a student may be in possession of a firearm at the high school. Officers arrived on scene around 9 a.m.

Officers shared the information with staff and a suspect was eventually brought to the principal’s office.

Police said they found a loaded sawed-off rifle and a knife in his backpack. The 17-year-old boy was arrested without incident around noon.

Investigators said the student never intended to threaten anyone or use the weapons at school, but questions are being raised about why the building wasn’t locked down while police were searching for a suspect.

“I kind of got nervous a little bit because, gun outside the school, it didn’t even go into lockdown so I was kind of worried about that,” said Grade 11 student Payton Notman.

Questions are also being raised about how school officials notified parents and students about the situation. Some said they found out through social media or other students or parents.

While some parents are expressing anger over how the situation was handled, McKenzie believes the school made the right call.

“My understanding was that it was taken care of so quickly that they basically had the person that was reported down in the office right away and I actually thought it was great they didn’t put everyone in panic,” she said.

Police said the teen’s motive isn’t clear, but student Lexi Upshaw said there are rumours he was worried for his own safety.

“He’s not going around trying to start a school shooting or anything like that,” said Upshaw. “He was trying to protect himself, he’s just a scared 17-year-old, you know.”

Halifax Regional School Board spokesman Doug Hadley said he isn’t aware of any ongoing dispute between students.

“We have not heard that at all, but if someone suggests that then they should contact police or contact the school to provide them with that,” said Hadley.

Meanwhile, the student is facing seven weapons charges:

  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Careless use of a firearm
  • Carrying a weapon while attending a public meeting
  • Carrying a concealed weapon
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of a firearm knowing it is unauthorized
  • Possession of a prohibited weapon

School officials said he will be disciplined and could face suspension.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Marie Adsett