School Custodian Brought Gun To Campus: Hillsborough County Sheriff

TAMPA, FL — A custodian at King High School in Tampa faces charges after bringing a gun to campus, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Michael Difabio, 58, was charged with possession of a firearm on school grounds.

School administration contacted HCSO’s School Threat Assessment and Response team around 11:15 a.m. about a secured gun found in a maintenance closet, the agency said.

Investigators learned that the gun belonged to Difabio, who had worked at the school since January 2023. He resigned at the time of his arrest.

"There is no place for weapons on school grounds. Schools should be sanctuaries where students and staff should feel safe and secure," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "The first day of school is just around the corner, and our message is loud and clear, we will not tolerate weapons on campus for any reason."