A small-caliber handgun was found on the Ridgeland High School campus early this morning, according to school officials.

According to a written statement from the Walker County school system, the weapon was found underwater inside a toilet in a restroom. The gun was not loaded.

Custodial staff removed the gun and waited for local law enforcement to investigate the matter.

Because the gun was unloaded, it was agreed by law enforcement and school officials the event posed no immediate threat to students. Therefore the school day continued as normal.

According to the statement, the campus was safety inspected before students arrived on campus and was determined that a lockdown or evacuation of the campus was not necessary.

The school day for Ridgeland begins at 8 a.m.

The statement expressed the seriousness to which law and school officials approached the incident: “The first concern is the safety of students and staff. Trained administrators and staff followed procedures established by state law and Walker County School Board of Education policy to handle the situation and assure safety. As a precaution to avoid possible unfounded rumor and unnecessary concern by parents, the SchoolCast Automatic Notification System was engaged to notify parents of the occurrence and the message was posted on the Ridgeland High School website.”

School officials reiterated, “Authorities determined there was no threat to persons or property and no need for either a lockdown or evacuation.”

School continued as scheduled without further incident.