PARAMUS, N.J. — A security officer at Midland Elementary School accidentally discharged his firearm inside a staff-only bathroom on May 19, prompting immediate concern from school officials and parents.
Superintendent Sean Adams confirmed the incident in a letter sent to the community, emphasizing, “While we are profoundly relieved that no one was injured, this event is extremely concerning and completely unacceptable,” reports NorthJersey.com.
The security officer involved, who has not been publicly identified, was alone in the single-use facility when his weapon fired. No staff or students were nearby, and there were no injuries reported.
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Following the discharge of his weapon, the officer was placed on administrative leave pending a full investigation. Paramus police were promptly notified, and the school district is “cooperating fully with law enforcement,” according to Adams.
On Tuesday, parents outside the school expressed relief that their children were unharmed, with several noting their kids did not hear the sound of the gunshot during school hours, reports CBS News. Still, many voiced unease about the presence of firearms on campus.
More Schools Have Armed Officers, Increasing Risk of Negligent Gun Discharges, Other Problems
The incident comes at a time when more schools nationwide are adopting armed security in response to the ongoing threat of school shootings. Some states, including Texas, now require armed officers on K-12 campuses.
However, experts note that armed personnel can also introduce risks. Accidental or negligent discharges, as well as instances of officers unintentionally leaving firearms unattended after using restrooms, are among the documented concerns.
A 2023 report from the New Jersey Association of School Administrators found that fewer than half of the state’s school districts employ armed law enforcement officers. Approximately 42% have some form of armed personnel, while 20% have no security staff at all.
The investigation into the Paramus incident is ongoing.
