Edinburg student faces federal firearms charge

An 18-year-old student from an Edinburg high school is facing a federal firearms charge.

Kinzey Lira — a student at Edinburg North High School — is charged with possession of a firearm on school property, U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei said in a Department of Justice release.

The criminal complaint alleges that authorities learned Lira was carrying a firearm on school property. He allegedly had a Glock 9mm pistol, as well as a loaded magazine in his backpack.

The incident and investigation happened Tuesday morning when an anonymous tip led to the seizure of the weapon.

Edinburg CISD said in a Tuesday release that police officers and school administrators recovered an unloaded firearm from a student’s backpack.

No injuries were reported and the district said in the Tuesday release that at no point was there a threat to students or staff.

Lira faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine if convicted.

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Editor's note: This story has been updated to include name of suspect and charges.