Authorities have confirmed that a 6-year-old Virginia child had brought a firearm to school with him on Monday. Investigators are trying to find out how the child got the gun.
Orange County Sheriff’s Office announced on Facebook the incident took place at Orange Elementary School, about 29 miles northeast of Charlottesville.
A member of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office School Resources Office received a call from a staff member about a loaded firearm inside the school. According to the sheriff’s office, the school has been placed in safe school mode.
After the sheriff’s department reported that the gun in the backpack was there, the school resource officer removed the backpack.
The investigators later revealed that the 6-year-old student brought the gun into the school, where an instructional assistant found the weapon.
According to the sheriff’s office, no one was hurt and no threats were made.
Orange County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate but hasn’t made any arrests.
The Sheriff’s Department stated, “The safety and the security of our students and our staff in our schools remains our top priority. We are adding more police officers to the school tomorrow and today out of a feeling of caution.’
Superintendent claims that the situation was handled in a professional and swift manner
Dan Hornick released an online message to the members of the Orange County Public Schools community, calling the experience “distressing”. ”
Hornick stated that it was important to recognize and appreciate the swift, professional, and thorough actions taken by Orange Elementary School staff and administrators. ” Their diligence prevented a worsening of the situation.
He expressed his gratitude to the Sheriff’s Office and the school for the work they did.
Hornick stated that he wished to see school systems grow when faced with such situations. The Superintendent said the school was in Safe School Mode, where classrooms had been secured and law enforcement investigators and administrators were involved.
Hornick explained the goal of Safe School Mode and any other change to school status, which is to inform parents as quickly as possible.
He apologized and stated that the notification was not sent to the OES Community on today.
Similar situations have happened across the nation in the last year. A shooting incident that occurred in Georgia on September 4 was one such instance. A student at Apalachee High School shot and killed four students.
Hornick asked parents and guardians to “exercise greater diligence” to prevent students from bringing weapons or other dangerous items into the school.
He stated that he has two children attending schools in Orange County. He will inspect his children’s school bags more frequently and talk to them about safety.
He said: “We can create a dynamic and safe environment for learning that our students deserve if we work together. ” “Thank you for your continued support, even under difficult circumstances.”
The mother of the 6-year-old has been arrested.
