Sakir Everett: 11-Year-Old Michigan Student Prevented a Potential School Tragedy

Many other outlets are covering this story, but my Mama’s Heart cannot let it go unheard.

In May 2025, a quiet act of courage by 11-year-old Sakir Everett at Dwight Rich School of the Arts in Lansing, Michigan, may have prevented a devastating school shooting. Instead of being hailed as a hero, Sakir was expelled, sparking outrage, debate, and a growing movement demanding justice.

Sakir Everett, 11 Year Old Hero

Firearm Safety Saves Lives

The incident unfolded in a school bathroom, where another student allegedly revealed a loaded firearm and handed it to Sakir. Drawing on his hunting background and knowledge of gun safety taught by his godfather, Sakir instinctively knew the weapon posed a serious threat. Rather than panic or flee, he took decisive action: he dismantled the gun, discarded the bullets in a trash can, and hid the disassembled parts inside a classroom heater.

His mother, Savitra McClurkin, explained that Sakir didn’t immediately alert school staff because he was scared and unsure of what to do. “He didn’t want it on his person, but he didn’t want anybody to mess with it,” she said.

The School’s Response

Despite his actions likely averting a tragedy, the Lansing School District expelled Sakir for the remainder of the academic year. The district cited Michigan’s zero-tolerance laws regarding weapons on school property, stating that the decision was made after a thorough investigation involving video footage and witness statements.

The district emphasized that “disciplinary action would not have been warranted for disarming another student,” but maintained that possession of a weapon, even in the context of disarming, triggered mandatory expulsion under state law.

Fallout and Frustration

Since the expulsion, Sakir has been denied admission to four schools, leaving his mother scrambling to keep his education afloat through a non-accredited online program. She’s had to reduce her work hours to support him, and a GoFundMe campaign has raised over $50,000 to help the family cope with the financial strain.

“He’s 11 years old. Seventh grade. Never been in trouble before,” McClurkin told the Lansing School Board. “It’s devastating because he’s a bright kid and all he wants to do is be a kid.”

Community Reaction

The story has sparked widespread debate about zero-tolerance policies, racial disparities in school discipline, and the need for better crisis training for students. Advocates argue that Sakir‘a instinct to protect his classmates should be celebrated, not punished.

“He was trying to protect his classmates,” McClurkin said. “He didn’t want to implicate himself, 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.”

Sakir’s Fight

As the district stands by its decision, Sakir‘s future remains uncertain. His mother continues to fight for his reinstatement and for broader reforms that recognize the complexity of student decision-making in crisis situations.

In a time when school safety is paramount, Sakir Everett’s story raises a critical question: when a child chooses courage over fear, should we punish them, or learn from them?

In this case, I regard Sakir a hero! God Bless this young man! His actions saved not only the lives of his peers, but considering the statistics of what happens to those who commit school shootings, he saved the life of the child who brought the firearm.

Granted, Sakir was not knowledgeable of what to do after the fact, his noble actions proves why Youth Firearm Safety & Awareness courses are imperative… and they should be built upon, not condemned.

Firearm Safety Courses CAN Save Lives, and SAKIR EVERETT IS PROOF!

If you didn’t catch the link to their GoFundMe earlier in the article, here is the direct link again if you’d like to help Sakir: Sakir Everett’s GoFundMe

If you’d like more information on Firearm Safety & Awareness classes, reach out to Mom-At-Arms.

I’m a certified USCCA instructor in Virginia. If you’re not in Virginia, I’ll be happy to help connect you to someone in your own state. God Bless!

Be Prepared to Protect!

#Prepared2Protect

#IStandWithSakir