young student would be able to have access to a weapon
According to Pittsburgh Public School officials, a kindergartner was found with a firearm on Friday Morning. The police are still investigating the issue to find out what exactly happened because it is an unusual scenario that could mean a serious security threat.
The school spokesperson said that the gun was found when the student was going through the school’s metal detector. A staff member discovered the firearm inside the student’s backpack.
According to Ebony Pugh, the District spokesperson, the school officials have information on how the student obtained the gun. However, she said that it was too early to disclose the details. She also noted that information about the type of gun and whether it was loaded would be released later.
Pugh said, “Of course it’s a concern that such a young student would be able to have access to a weapon.” She added that the kindergartner would be disciplined for possessing a firearm. Pugh did not elaborate on the kind of disciplinary action the student would face.
She continued, “We’re fortunate that our systems work.” Pugh confirmed that they have secure systems to ensure that weapons don’t get into classrooms or building work.
Police prepared a report and submitted it to Childline. The student’s guardians and parents were also notified about the issue in a letter.
The child’s father said that the gun was licensed and registered. He added that the mother’s boyfriend, the licensed owner of the gun, put it under a couch.
The father said, “She went to get dressed, and he went back downstairs, and he took the gun that was under the couch and put it into his book bag.”
The child’s grandparent, Lydia Wade, was thankful for the measures taken by the security. Wade said, “It can be hectic because they want to take their time and make sure they get each child and go through their things to make sure.”
Pittsburgh Public School is encouraging all parents to talk to their kids about gun safety to prevent such incidences from happening.
The Pittsburgh Public School Police are still investing the issue to make things clear and allow for further action.