In a startling incident that has raised new concerns about school safety and juvenile access to firearms, a handgun discharged inside a 3rd grader's backpack at Lee Hill Elementary School in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, on Monday morning.

According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office, the gun went off just before 11 a.m. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The classroom teacher quickly evacuated all 26 students and notified the school's resource officer. School officials and law enforcement responded swiftly, following all safety protocols, including securing the weapon, assessing threats, and implementing a temporary school-wide hold.

Authorities are currently interviewing the student and their parents to determine how the weapon ended up in the child's backpack. Early indications suggest that the student had no intent to harm anyone.

In Virginia, this offense can carry severe consequences, even if no one is injured:

• Criminal liability may fall on the parents or guardians if the firearm was not properly secured at home.

• The student could face juvenile court proceedings, depending on their age, intent, and past disciplinary record.

• Under Virginia law, bringing a firearm onto school grounds can trigger mandatory disciplinary actions, including suspension or expulsion.

Gun charges, whether for parents or children, is no laughing matter.  Call us today if you have questions.