KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Students at Powell Middle School got an impromptu lesson in security Thursday when an eighth grade boy showed up for class with a 9-milimeter handgun.

"It's unbelievable. It is just, it's so sad," said Emily Williams.

"That's sad, it really, really is. My youngest son went to that school," Tim Blakely said.

Daniel Boyer attended Powell four years ago, and says guns in school never was a concern. "There was quite a bit of bullying when I went, but I never thought it was bad enough for someone to bring a gun."

Williams wondered, "what's going on with these kids? Where do they get these weapons?

Authorities believe the juvenile took the gun from a relative's safe.

"It's scary. It's frightening. I'm just glad nobody got hurt," said Blakely.

School leaders released a statement saying the principal and Knox County deputies assigned at the school learned about the gun from other students. The child was searched and the unloaded gun found. School leaders are not identifying the juvenile or what punishment he might face, except to say appropriate disciplinary and legal action will follow.

"It's wonderful that the kids did what they were supposed to because any child that sees another child with something dangerous should report that to authorities," Williams said.

The boy was taken to Richard Bean Juvenile Detention Facility. He faces criminal charges and expulsion from school.