A St. John's university student who was arrested for carrying a pellet gun on campus says he used the weapon as a prop in a Monty Python sketch for an engineering class.

Chris Hardy, 20, was arrested Tuesday afternoon at the engineering building at Memorial University, several hours after he dropped a pellet gun in the building's cafeteria.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary arrested Chris Hardy Tuesday at Memorial University's engineering building.
(CBC)

Just before his arrest, he was carrying the pellet gun again near the cafeteria.

Hardy, who was released from Royal Newfoundland Constabulary custody without being charged, said Wednesday that a comic sketch led to things going awry.

"The skit in question required the presence of a pistol, so I chose to bring along a prop," he said.

"It wasn't loaded, but I did point it at somebody and fire it" during the classroom demonstration. Students were asked to do something creative in an engineering class, he said.

Police were called when he was seen in the nearby cafeteria, showing off the pellet gun he had borrowed from a friend.

"I just want people to know that I'm not a criminal," Hardy told CBC News.  "I don't really think I should be punished for this. I made a mistake — yes, that's abundantly clear."

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary said its investigation of the incident is continuing.

Memorial University is contemplating its reaction to the case.

Mom says Hardy displayed 'lack of thought'

Pauline Hardy said her son is intelligent, but is innocent and naive.

"The lack of thought — you know, I can't answer it any other way, I don't think," said Hardy, who learned of the incident on the news. "That was a mistake on his part."

She said she is concerned about how her son will be treated when he faces friends and fellow students.

James Farrell, a director with the university students union, said carrying any weapon is prohibited on campus. He said he hoped the incident would serve as a reminder to students to be more sensitive about their actions.