Elementary school student brought handgun, ammunition to school: Sheriff

Police in Vermont are investigating an incident at Pownal Elementary School where a student brought an unloaded 9 mm handgun and 67 rounds of ammunition to campus. The discovery was made possible after the student sent a message on social media about the firearm, which prompted fellow students to alert their teachers immediately.

Upon receiving the report, school officials acted swiftly. The student was removed from the classroom, and the firearm and ammunition were confiscated from his backpack. Sheriff James Gulley praised the quick thinking of the students and staff, noting that their actions prevented a potentially dangerous situation.

According to Assistant Superintendent Laura Boudreau, two students informed the school's administration about the firearm, leading to a meeting with the student who admitted possession. The firearm was then surrendered to school officials, and the district contacted the Vermont State Police, which has involved the Bennington County Sheriff's Department in the ongoing investigation.

The district assured families that there were no further safety concerns for the school community at this time, although specific details about the student involved have not been released. The school serves students in kindergarten through sixth grade, and officials emphasized the importance of following safety protocols during such incidents.

Boudreau expressed gratitude toward the students for coming forward and commended the administrators for their response. Sheriff Gulley echoed this sentiment, reminding everyone of the importance of reporting concerning behavior to safeguard school environments. Recent research indicates an alarming trend, with 275 guns brought to schools by children under 11 from fall 2017 to spring 2023, suggesting a rise in firearm access among young people.