A school shooting prevented: Michigan 7th-grader disarms classmate, gets expelled

In a remarkable act of bravery, 11-year-old Sakir Everett, a seventh grader at Dwight Rich School of the Arts in Lansing, Michigan, disarmed a classmate who had brought a firearm to school. Despite preventing a potential tragedy, Sakir was expelled for the remainder of the school year, sparking widespread outrage and debate.

According to his mother, Savitra McClurkin, in May 2025, Everett noticed a classmate carrying a gun on school grounds. Using his hunting knowledge, he took the weapon from the classmate, disassembled it, and disposed of the bullets. However, he did not immediately report the incident to a teacher, fearing repercussions for both himself and the other student. The outcome for the student who brought the gun to school is unclear.

After the Lansing School District conducted a thorough investigation, reviewing video evidence and interviewing witnesses, officials determined that Everett’s actions, though courageous, violated Michigan’s strict zero-tolerance laws regarding weapons on school property. Everett’s supporters, however, note the law allows some discretion on a case-by-case basis. District representatives stressed their obligation to ensure a safe environment for all students and staff.

“He didn’t want to implicate himself”

Everett’s mother, McClurkin, has expressed frustration over the expulsion, arguing that her son’s actions should have been celebrated rather than punished. She has attended school board meetings advocating for her son’s reinstatement, emphasizing that his quick thinking prevented a potential school shooting.

McClurkin told local news outlet, WILX, “He didn’t want to implicate himself in it, nor did he want to tell on the person that actually brought the firearm, because he knows firearms aren’t supposed to be in school.”

In response to the expulsion, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support Sakir’s homeschooling and raise awareness about the situation. The campaign describes him as courageous and compassionate, highlighting his commitment to protecting his classmates. While the Lansing School District stands by its decision, community members continue to debate the balance between strict rules and recognizing acts of heroism. McClurkin continues to fight for her son’s reinstatement, and the community debate is ongoing.