Watch CBS News

Kindergarten Student Brings Loaded Gun To Pittsburgh Faison

Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A kindergarten student showed up Monday at Faison Elementary School in South Homewood with a gun in his book bag.

The district says he got past security and kept it in his locker all day. Nobody realized he had it until another student turned him in on the bus ride home.

Outside Faison Monday night, Latoya Murphy told KDKA News "it's shocking, upsetting. I have a niece and nephew that go here. I couldn't imagine anything happening to them. For a 5-year-old to bring a gun to school, the parents should get in trouble."

pittsburgh-faison
(Photo Credit: KDKA)

Up until now, Faison Elementary School required only adults who entered the building to pass through metal detectors.

But, that will change Tuesday morning when Faison students - in grades K-5 - will also be have to go through the detectors.

While the weapon was brought into the school building, it was never brought into the student's classroom, since book bags must be left in lockers during classes.

It was at the end of the school day Monday when another student informed the bus driver about the gun and the driver confiscated the gun, and immediately notified school officials.

School Spokeswoman Ebony Pugh said the gun was loaded, but the safety lock was on. The student got the gun from home she said.

School police and Pittsburgh City Police are investigating how the gun ended up in the student's book bag.

I cannot believe that a 5-year-old brought a loaded gun to school," said Lee Williams of Homewood. "That's too young."

"The parents need to check on their kids a lot more than what they are doing," said Frank Harrison of Homewood. "It's a shame."

Murphy wondered aloud "why do you have a loaded gun where a kid could get to it? And, why aren't (parents) checking your kid's back pack."

On Monday night, the school district had nothing but praise for the student who spoke up about the gun. The bus driver was also commended.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.