“Things Could Have Been Much Worse”: Swift Police Response and Teacher’s Actions Recognized Following Accidental Gun Discharge at Freetown Elementary

Families at Freetown Elementary are expressing gratitude and relief after what they describe as a potentially tragic incident was quickly brought under control, thanks to the swift response of law enforcement and the decisive actions of a teacher. 

An accidental gun discharge inside the school today prompted an immediate police response, but authorities say the situation was contained within moments, preventing further harm. In the aftermath, parents and community members praised the professionalism of officers on scene and the courage shown by school staff, noting that “things could have been much worse.”

"I can’t ignore the fact that the teacher acted immediately and police were there fast," one family member stated to Report Annapolis News. "Their response is the reason this didn’t turn into something far worse."

Another family member shared, "Our family is grateful for the adults who protected those children in that moment. Their actions mattered."

On February 4, 2026, at approximately 8:25 a.m., officers responded to a report of a gunshot fired inside Freetown Elementary School located at 7904 Freetown Road in Glen Burnie. Upon arrival, officers met with school officials who advised that a student brought a handgun to school. The student with the weapon was injured when the handgun discharged inside a classroom. The teacher secured the weapon, rendered aid to the student, and notified the school administrators, who contacted the police. Other students were present inside the classroom when the handgun discharged, however none of them were harmed. Once the weapon was secured, there was no further threat to student safety. The injured student was transported to an area hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening injury.

Anne Arundel County Crisis Response is available as a resource to families of children who attend Freetown Elementary. The Anne Arundel Crisis Response Warm Line is 410-768-5522. The school is also providing additional student support services.

Detectives are investigating the circumstances leading up to the discharge of the firearm in the classroom. Preliminarily, it appears the child obtained the weapon from his residence. 

Free gun locks are available to all Anne Arundel County Residents through a partnership between the Gun Violence Intervention Team, local libraries, and community organizations. Visit www.aahealth.org/gun-violence-intervention-team/active-projects/free-gun-locks to learn more and share this resource with your neighbors.