Gun In 5-Year-Old’s Backpack Goes Off In School Cafeteria

The kindergartner is in police custody.

According to Shelby County Schools, the gun went off between 7:30 a.m. and 7:40 a.m. at Westside Elementary School in Frayser. Police were called around 8:30 a.m. Nobody was injured when the shot was fired.

As soon as media learned of the incident, SCS released the following statement:

“This morning at Westside Elementary School, a Kindergarten student brought a firearm to school in his backpack. While waiting for the opening bell in the cafeteria, the firearm discharged accidentally inside the child’s backpack. Nobody was injured, and staff immediately took possession of the backpack. SCS Security and the Memphis Police Department responded quickly, and the matter is now under investigation. There is no evidence at this time of harmful intent; however, weapons of any kind are prohibited on campuses, and this student will be disciplined in accordance with the state’s zero tolerance policy. The safety of our students and staff is of the utmost importance. Staff is trained to handle emergency situations, and all students were kept safe and calm while this matter was handled.”

By: Cheston Catalano

Cheston Catalano is a Kentucky-based journalist whose work has been featured in the Chattanooga Times Free Press and the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle. He is a long-time contributor to Liberaland.