California middle school teacher allegedly tells student he has ‘shot kids younger than him’

According to KTVU, the comments made by the unnamed Bancroft Middle School teacher were recorded and posted to social media, sparking an investigation into the matter.

In one of the recordings, the teacher goes on a rant in front of the class in regards to a misbehaving student in which he mentions his prior military career.

"I’ve been through three tours in combat in the most dangerous places on Earth, and I am not in a position to let some kid talk back to me. Period. That’s just how it is. I have shot kids younger than him," the teacher is heard saying, referring to an unknown student in the class.

In that same recording, the teacher allegedly tells a student that they are lucky that he is no longer allowed to place his hands on him to take him out of the class.

In another recording, the teacher is heard telling a student, "You're probably about 20 percent undersized for your age, so I suggest when you get into high school, you shut your mouth, because guys like me, who are way, way bigger than you, are going to pound your little butt into the ground."

In a statement released by San Leandro Unified School District superintendent Dr. Michael McLaughlin on Monday, he called the teacher’s behavior "inappropriate," adding that the teacher has been removed from the classroom.

"I am writing to make you aware of an incident that has been brought to our attention regarding inappropriate statements made by a teacher at Bancroft Middle School to students in their class. The district is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident and in doing so, the personnel involved have been removed from the classroom. Additionally, the Bancroft students, staff, and families who have been affected by this incident are also being supported in processing this concerning event," said McLaughlin.