Freetown Elementary incident injures student after gun discharges in classroom

A student was hospitalized Wednesday morning after a firearm discharged inside a classroom at Freetown Elementary School in Glen Burnie, Maryland, prompting a large emergency response, an on-campus hold, and an early dismissal for the entire school. Police described the event as an accidental discharge and said the child’s injury was not life-threatening.

The incident has renewed urgent questions about how a gun made it into an elementary classroom and what safeguards failed before it reached a student.

What happened at Freetown Elementary

Police said the gun discharged inside a classroom at Freetown Elementary School at about 8:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. The student hurt his hand when the weapon went off. Other students were in the room at the time, but no other injuries were reported.

Authorities said a teacher moved quickly to secure the gun and provide aid until first responders arrived. The child was transported to Shock Trauma for treatment, with officials emphasizing the injuries were non-life-threatening.

Immediate school response and dismissal plan

School leaders placed the building on a hold while the situation was stabilized and the scene was secured. The district announced an early release schedule:

• Dismissal time: 11:15 a.m. ET (Feb. 4)

• Bus riders were sent home on their normal routes.

• Families needing alternate arrangements were directed to contact the school.

Crisis counselors were scheduled to be available on campus for students and parents on Wednesday and Thursday, with classes expected to resume Thursday.

What investigators are focusing on now

Police said the central question is how the student gained access to the firearm and why it discharged in the classroom. Investigators are expected to examine:

• The path the gun took to get into the school (home-to-school chain of custody)

• Whether the firearm was properly secured before the child accessed it

• Any gaps in morning arrival routines, classroom supervision, or storage practices that could have prevented the incident

• The firearm’s condition and safety mechanisms, including whether it was loaded

Authorities have not publicly confirmed key details such as where the gun originated, whether it belonged to a parent or another adult, or whether any criminal charges will follow.

Community impact and support services

Even with injuries described as non-life-threatening, the psychological impact can be significant for children and staff who were present. Officials acknowledged that students and educators experienced fear and stress during the response, and district leaders framed counseling services as a priority through the first 48 hours.

For families, the next steps often include short-term supports (counselor access, classroom check-ins) and longer-term decisions about school security messaging and how the district communicates findings once the investigation is further along.

What happens next for the school

In the near term, the school day on Thursday is expected to focus on reestablishing routine while keeping support staff available. Over the next several days, families should watch for district updates on:

• Any changes to entry, dismissal, or visitor procedures

• Additional counseling availability

• A summary of confirmed facts once investigators finalize the basic timeline

• Any policy review tied to safe firearm storage and student safety education

Investigators typically avoid releasing details that could compromise interviews or evidence collection, so fuller answers may take time. For now, officials continue to characterize the incident as an accidental discharge inside the classroom, with the student expected to recover physically.

Sources consulted: CBS News, WTOP News, WBAL Radio, Anne Arundel County Public Schools