GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga., — Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) has confirmed that a student brought a firearm from home and discharged it in a toilet at Meadowcreek Elementary school before classes began. No injuries reported as investigation continues
The student was arrested after bringing a firearm from home to campus and firing a round into a toilet before the start of classes Thursday, according GCPS officials. No one was in the restroom at the time, and no injuries were reported.
Timeline of Meadowcreek School Shooting Incident
On Thursday morning, Meadowcreek administrators discovered a broken toilet and, upon investigation, a student admitted to intentionally damaging it and was disciplined. The following day, a parent and several students reported that the same student had brought a firearm to school and threatened to shoot the toilet, reports WSB.
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A subsequent investigation confirmed the student had taken the gun from home, brought it to school, and discharged it in the restroom before classes began.
GCPS officials said they were unaware a gun was involved until Friday’s reports.
GCPS police are evaluating whether others may face charges, including the student’s parents. The number of people charged could grow as the investigation proceeds.
Tony Lockhart, GCPS chief of police, urged families to secure firearms at home and to check students’ backpacks before school. “As a responsible gun owner, you need to make sure that your weapon is secure and safe,” he said.
GCPS Installing Weapons Detection at Middle Schools and High Schools
The district is installing weapons-detection devices at many middle and high schools this fall. GCPS has not indicated plans to install them at elementary schools, though at least one parent has called for it during school board meetings, reports the Gwinnett Daily Post.
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Parents expressed frustration that GCPS waited about 24 hours to notify families about what officials described as a “significant” safety incident involving a firearm at an elementary school.
