Elementary school student brought handgun, ammunition to school: Sheriff

Police in Vermont are investigating an incident involving an elementary school student who brought an unloaded 9 mm handgun and 67 rounds of ammunition to Pownal Elementary School. The Bennington County Sheriff's Department reported that the situation unfolded when the student shared a message about the firearm on social media, prompting fellow students to alert their teachers immediately.

Thanks to the quick actions of the students, the administration was able to act swiftly. Following the reports, school officials and a campus safety officer confronted the student, who admitted to having the firearm in his backpack and subsequently surrendered it without incident. The school then contacted Vermont State Police, who coordinated with the Sheriff's Department for further investigation.

Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union Assistant Superintendent Laura Boudreau acknowledged the bravery of the two students who reported the incident and praised the school's staff for following safety protocols. She confirmed that, as of now, there are no ongoing safety concerns for the school community.

Sheriff James Gulley echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of speaking up when something seems off. He commended the students' actions, noting that their reporting helped prevent a potentially dangerous situation.

The school's district remains tight-lipped about specific details regarding the student involved, such as age and grade, as the investigation continues. This incident brings attention to the broader issue of firearm accessibility among young people, with research indicating a rising trend in similar incidents over recent years.