I hate to see any test be a high-stakes test. Some students are good test-takers, others are not. (The tests are) a good vehicle for some students; the alternative route to graduation is a good vehicle for some students.
It is my understanding the student told other students that he had a gun, but he didn't have a gun of any kind. We didn't feel there was an immediate threat, but we're certainly taking this seriously and the comment was out of line and will not be tolerated.