Virginia authorities are investigating after a loaded gun was reportedly found in a 6-year-old’s backpack.
RELATED: Memphis Mom Charged After Her Six-Year-Old Son Brought A Loaded Firearm To School
Here’s What Led To The Virginia Authorities’ Investigation
According to USA Today, the discovery was made at Orange Elementary School on Monday, September 16. In a Facebook post, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office revealed that their office was contacted by a school staff member.
The staffer reportedly notified authorities of a “loaded firearm that was found inside the school.” Per the outlet, the call was reportedly made around 12:50 p.m., and the school was then placed on safe mode.
According to authorities, the loaded weapon was found inside the backpack. Additionally, it was immediately confiscated by a school administrator and school resource officer.
Per the Orange County Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook post, an investigation ” revealed that a 6-year-old student brought the firearm on campus.” Additionally, authorities explained that no one was injured amid the ordeal. Furthermore, no threats had reportedly been made.
Despite this, the office explained that the incident will remain under investigation.
“No arrests have been made at this point, but the investigation is ongoing,” the department explained. “All students at OES are safe at this time. The safety and security of our students and school staff remain our top priority. “
More Details Are Revealed About The Loaded Gun Reportedly In The 6-Year-Old’s Backpack
According to USA Today, Dan Hornick, the superintendent of Orange County Public Schools, released a statement about the incident.
“It is important to recognize and appreciate the swift, professional, and thorough steps taken by the staff members and administrators at Orange Elementary School,” Hornick asserted. “Their diligence prevented the situation from escalating… By working together, we can provide the safe and dynamic learning environment our students deserve.”
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, September 17, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office released an updated statement on the incident and their investigation.
“…Interviews were conducted at the school and late into the evening. It was determined that a 6-year-old child brought the firearm, which was identified as a loaded Heritage Rough Rider single action .22 cal ‘Cowboy style’ revolver,” the office revealed. “At this time, there is absolutely no indication that the child had any intention to use the firearm and additionally did not understand the severity of the item that was brought.”
As the office’s statement concluded, it urged parents to have conversations with their children about the “dangers of firearms and if they see one to ‘Stop, don’t touch it, and tell an adult.’”
“… As parents and grandparents, we all have a responsibility as firearms owners to always secure our firearms and account for them. Additionally, the recommendation is to store ammunition in a separate location. Please check backpacks as well before your child goes out the door. Remember, you can never be too safe,” the statement added.
Ultimately, the office reiterated that the investigation remains ongoing.
A 14-Year-Old Is Currently In Custody For A School Shooting In Georgia
Meanwhile, in Winder, Georgia, a community is recovering after a shooting at Apalachee High School. As The Shade Room previously reported, the shooting occurred on September 4 and was reportedly initiated by a 14-year-old student named Colt Gray.
RELATED: UPDATE: Colt Gray’s Mother Reportedly Warned Apalachee High School Moments Before Deadly Shooting
Per the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Colt allegedly used an AR-15-style rifle to kill two students and two teachers. Additionally, nine others were reportedly wounded in the ordeal, per The Shade Room.
Since then, Colt has been charged with four counts of murder, while his father, Colin Gray, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, second-degree murder, and child cruelty, per The Shade Room.
In May 2023, Colin and Colt had been interviewed about the 14-year-old being suspected of making school threats. Despite this, authorities reportedly believe Colin knowingly allowed his son to possess the deadly weapon.
RELATED: Bodycam Footage Shows Colt Gray & His Father Being Interviewed After Alleged School Shooting Threats
Since the pair’s incarceration, Colt’s mother, Marcee, has penned an open letter to the victims of the shooting. Meanwhile, Colin has made a special request from behind bars while a teacher has broken their silence after being wounded during the fatal incident.
RELATED: UPDATE: Teacher Wounded In Apalachee High School Shooting Breaks Silence
What Do You Think Roomies?
