Westerville Teacher Sets Off School Lockdown With Prop Gun

Local Westerville North High School history teacher decided to bring an inactive World War II rifle to class Tuesday morning, but before he even got a chance to start his lesson, two students from nearby schools called the police, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

Ben Hartnel, American History teacher known for reenacting historical events in full costumes as part of his lectures,  brought the gun to school with permission from the school principal.

After students called the police, an hour-long lockdown was initiated at three schools, including the ones surrounding Westerville North High.

The incident is being administratively reviewed, but it seems to be just a classic mixup. Hartnel was in the news last year for his write in bid for president and motto, “Elect the Beard,” a tactic to teach his students about elections.

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