7-Year-Old Accidentally Shoots Hand in Maryland School

A 7-year-old boy accidentally discharged a firearm in a classroom at Freetown Elementary School in Glen Burnie, Maryland, injuring his hand on Wednesday morning, prompting an investigation and charges against his father for improper storage of the weapon.

The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. during the start of the school day, according to Anne Arundel County police. The second-grader had brought the gun to school from his home in Pasadena, where authorities believe he accessed it. While holding the firearm in a classroom with about 15 other students, it went off, causing a non-life-threatening wound to the boy's hand. No other students or staff were injured.

A teacher quickly intervened, securing the weapon and providing immediate aid to the child until first responders arrived. The Anne Arundel County Fire Department transported the boy to a nearby shock trauma center for treatment. Police officers reached the scene within minutes of the initial emergency calls, placing the school on hold and later lockdown as a precaution.

Anne Arundel County Police Chief Amal Awad described the event as a preventable tragedy during a press conference outside the school. "A 7-year-old child...