A seven-year-old student was injured Wednesday morning after a firearm accidentally discharged inside a classroom at Freetown Elementary School, according to the Anne Arundel County Police Department.
Police said they were called to the school on February 4 around 8:30 a.m. after reports of shots fired inside the building. Investigators confirmed that a second-grade student had a gun that went off inside the classroom, injuring the child’s hand.
Teacher Praised for Swift Response
Authorities said the classroom teacher immediately secured the weapon and provided medical aid until emergency responders arrived. The child was transported to a hospital with a non-life-threatening injury. No other students in the classroom were hurt.
Anne Arundel County Police Chief expressed gratitude for the teacher’s quick actions, saying, “None of us can imagine the terror and fear that each of these children felt, and the teacher. We are very grateful no other students were injured as a result of this.”
Officials commended school staff for preventing further harm through their calm and immediate response.
Community Reacts as Investigation Continues
Students were dismissed early at 11:15 a.m., and classes are scheduled to resume Thursday. Many parents remain uneasy. One mother stated, “I don’t feel safe with my kids right now going back to school.” Another parent said, “The same kid that had the gun, was also in my kid’s class.”
Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman called the situation “our worst nightmare,” noting that the county is focusing on mental health and safety support for affected families. “While we don’t yet know the details of how this child had access to a gun, I want to remind our residents of the importance of secure firearm storage,” Pittman said. He encouraged residents to obtain free gun safety locks available at all county public libraries.
Police Seeking Information
Police said preliminary findings indicate the weapon was obtained from the child’s home. Detectives from the Northern District are leading the investigation and urge anyone with information to contact them at 410-222-6135. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line at 410-222-4700.
The school system and Anne Arundel County Crisis Response are offering counseling and mental health resources to families. The county’s 24/7 Crisis Warmline remains open at 410-768-5522.
Legal Options After an Elementary School Shooting: A Conversation With Gun Injury Lawyer
When a child is hurt by gunfire on school grounds, families are left grappling with medical decisions, emotional trauma, and complex questions about accountability. Experienced gun injury lawyer Aaron Blank shares the potential legal paths available to families after a shooting at an elementary school, including who may be held responsible, what types of compensation may be available, and why acting promptly can help protect a child’s rights.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When a child is injured by a gun at school, what are the main legal options families might consider?
Aaron Blank, Esq.: Families often have the ability to bring a civil claim seeking compensation for medical bills, therapy costs, and long-term impacts on the child’s life and education. They may also explore claims against any adults or entities whose negligence allowed a firearm to end up in a classroom, including questions about gun storage and school safety measures.
Banville: How do you start evaluating whether someone can be held legally responsible?
Blank: We begin by looking at access and prevention. That includes how the child obtained the weapon, whether safe storage laws or school safety policies were followed, and whether any prior warning signs were ignored. If we find that reasonable steps to protect students were not taken, there may be a strong basis for a negligence claim.
Banville: Many parents feel overwhelmed after an incident like this. What should they do early on to protect their child’s rights?
Blank: Document everything—medical treatment, counseling, school communications, and your child’s behavioral changes—and contact a lawyer experienced with school-related injury cases as soon as possible. Early legal guidance can help preserve evidence, meet legal deadlines, and give families a clearer understanding of what accountability and recovery could look like for their child.
Free Legal Help for Families After School Gun Injuries
Families coping with a gun injury at an elementary school face more than medical bills—they face fear, confusion, and uncertainty about what comes next. A conversation with a knowledgeable gun injury lawyer can help you understand your rights, identify who may be held accountable, and explore potential compensation for medical care, therapy, and long-term support. If your child or a loved one has been hurt in a school-related shooting, contact our legal team today for a free, no-obligation consultation so you can get answers and guidance when you need it most.
