Boone school officials say student found with airsoft gun 'altered to look like a real gun'

BOONE, Iowa —

A Boone Middle School student has been charged with threat of terrorism after officials discovered a gun in his backpack Monday morning.

According to a letter from Superintendent Julie Trepa sent to Boone Middle School families and staff, students reported to school leaders that another student had a weapon in his backpack.

"The student was immediately isolated and Boone PD was notified," Trepa said.

The gun was found to be a toy Nerf gun "altered to look like a real gun," according to the letter, which continued, "Through the investigative process and completion of a threat assessment, police share our belief that our campus continues to be a safe environment for our staff and students."

In a news release, the Boone Police Department said the weapon was an "airsoft styl