A troubling incident unfolded at Freetown Elementary School in Maryland on Wednesday when a firearm accidentally went off inside a classroom, leaving a young student injured. The Anne Arundel County Police Department confirmed that the mishap occurred when a 7-year-old second grader, who had the firearm, sustained an injury to his hand as the weapon discharged.
Fortunately, despite other students being present in the classroom at the time, no additional injuries were reported. The school community is understandably shaken by the event, and efforts are underway to address the aftermath.
In response to the incident, Anne Arundel County Public Schools announced via X, formerly known as Twitter, that they are collaborating closely with local law enforcement to investigate the situation. Moreover, the school is prioritizing the emotional and psychological well-being of its students by offering necessary support services.
As part of the immediate response, the school district decided to dismiss all students at 11:15 a.m. on the day of the incident. Bus riders were assured transportation home through the usual routes, while parents needing to make alternate arrangements were advised to contact the school directly. The district has committed to keeping families informed as more details emerge.
A child was injured Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, after a firearm accidentally discharged inside a classroom at Freetown Elementary School in Maryland. (Freetown Elementary )
“The school will dismiss all students at 11:15 a.m. today. Bus riders will be transported home via the normal routes. If you need to make alternate arrangements for your student, please call the school. We will provide additional information as we get it,” the district said Wednesday.
WBAL-TV 11 reported the student sustained a non-life-threatening injury and was taken to the hospital.
“A student had a firearm in his possession, a second grade student, in a classroom. That firearm discharged at a certain point,” Anne Arundel County police spokesman Justin Mulcahy told the outlet.
A child was injured Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, after a firearm accidentally discharged inside a classroom at Freetown Elementary School in Maryland. (iStock)
Mulcahy said officers received calls around 8:30 a.m of shots fired and were able to arrive at the school within six minutes.
Police said the teacher acted immediately to secure the firearm and assist the injured child.
“A 7-year-old child gained access to a firearm, discharged it in a school, a classroom filled with children. We should not be having this press conference with you right now,” Anne Arundel County Police Chief Amal Awad told WBAL-TV 11. “How did a 7-year-old baby get ahold of a firearm and make it all the way to school?”
Anne Arundel County Public Schools Superintendent Mark Bedell told the local station that the decision to dismiss students early was made because “there’s a lot of trauma.”
“Not only within the students who were in this building, but also the faculty and staff,” Bedell said. “I can assure you that my reaction would have been exactly what these parents were reacting, filled with a boatload of fear.”
The school official said Freetown Elementary would be open on Thursday as scheduled.
