Handgun goes off in second-grader’s backpack; no one injured

HUNTSVILLE — A handgun discharged inside a second-grader’s backpack and the bullet struck another student’s backpack but no one was injured in the incident Thursday at Huntsville’s Challenger Elementary School.

According to Huntsville City Schools, the incident happened around 2:45 p.m. as students were in the hallway getting ready to leave for the day.

“Our team will continue working closely with law enforcement to understand the specifics of this incident,” the school system said in a statement. “We ask for your ongoing support to ensure all weapons at home are properly secured.

“Additionally, please speak with your student about the importance of ‘see something, say something’ to make us aware of any concerns.”

The school system said the student involved will face serious disciplinary consequences per the HCS Student Code of Conduct.

The bullet struck a laptop, damaging it, in the other student’s backpack.

School system officials said school staff responded immediately by following established safety protocols and working with law enforcement.

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