Student brought unloaded gun to school, according to Bennington Co. Sheriff's Office

POWNAL -- A concerning incident occurred at Pownal Elementary School when a student brought an unloaded 9 mm handgun along with 67 rounds of ammunition to school on Wednesday. According to Bennington County Sheriff James Gulley Jr., the situation was alerted to teachers through a social media message that the student sent, prompting peers to notify staff.

In response, teachers quickly enacted school safety protocols, successfully preventing potential harm. Sheriff Gulley emphasized the importance of the staff's quick thinking, which helped ensure that a potentially dangerous situation was contained before anyone was injured.

Authorities swiftly arrived at the scene, and the student was safely removed from the classroom. The gun and ammunition were subsequently located in the student’s backpack, leading to an immediate investigation by a deputy from the Sheriff's Department.

Sheriff Gulley reassured the community that measures were being taken to ensure no further danger existed within the school. He commended both the students who promptly reported the situation and the staff for their rapid response that facilitated a safe resolution.

This incident serves as a critical reminder about the importance of vigilance within school environments. Sheriff Gulley urged individuals to speak up if they notice anything alarming, whether online or offline, reinforcing that reporting concerns can significantly contribute to the safety of schools and their students.