Charges: 19-year-old brought semi-automatic weapon to high school graduation rehearsal on NC State campus

A 19-year-old was arrested Thursday after he allegedly brought a rifle to a high school graduation rehearsal at North Carolina State University.

Southeast Raleigh High School's graduation rehearsal was held between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. at Reynolds Coliseum.

Deon McCullers, 19, of Raleigh, was charged bringing a gun onto educational property – a felony – and going armed to the terror of the people.

According to the warrant for his arrest, McCullers had an argument with another person prior to the graduation rehearsal and showed up there with a semi-automatic rifle known as a "Draco." Police said he walked around the parking lot with the rifle on display, causing "mass panic to a large crowd."

Southeast Raleigh Principal George E. Harden, Jr., sent a letter to families after the arrest.

"We have received a report that a student displayed what appeared to be a firearm in the parking lot. Law enforcement and WCPSS Security were immediately contacted and are investigating the incident," Harden wrote. "While no one was harmed, we wanted to let you know what occurred in case you or your student saw or heard about this incident."

McCullers was arrested by N.C. State University Police. They said McCullers, who was jailed without bond, is not affiliated with N.C. State.

"We are thankful for the assistance of the Raleigh Police Department," University Police said.

A parent from Southeast Raleigh High School told WRAL News the graduation ceremony held Thursday night went smoothly following the disruption.