Second-grade student injured after firearm discharges inside Glen Burnie elementary classroom; investigation focuses on gun access

Incident sends 7-year-old to hospital; no other students physically injured

A 7-year-old second-grade student was injured Wednesday morning, February 4, 2026, after a firearm discharged inside a classroom at Freetown Elementary School in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Authorities described the incident as an accidental discharge and said the child’s injury was self-inflicted.

Police said the discharge occurred at about 8:30 a.m. while other students were in the classroom. The child suffered a gunshot wound to a hand and was transported to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore with injuries described as not life-threatening.

Officials said a teacher took immediate control of the situation by securing the firearm and providing aid to the student until first responders arrived. Police reported that no other students or staff were injured.

School response included a temporary hold and early dismissal

School leaders placed the building on a temporary hold during the response to the emergency. Freetown Elementary dismissed students early at 11:15 a.m. District officials said crisis counseling resources were made available to students and families, and plans were announced for classes to resume the following day.

What investigators have said so far

Law enforcement officials said the central investigative question is how the student obtained the firearm and brought it into the school. Detectives have indicated the weapon likely came from the child’s home, but the circumstances of access, storage, and transportation were still being examined as of Thursday, February 5.

Authorities said they were continuing to interview witnesses and gather evidence. No public announcement had been made regarding charges or referrals as the investigation continued.

Key confirmed details

• Date and time: Wednesday, February 4, 2026, around 8:30 a.m.
• Location: Freetown Elementary School, Glen Burnie (Anne Arundel County), Maryland
• Injury: 7-year-old second grader, gunshot wound to the hand; not life-threatening
• Others hurt: None reported
• Immediate actions: Teacher secured firearm and rendered aid; emergency response followed
• School operations: Temporary hold; early dismissal at 11:15 a.m.; counseling supports offered

Authorities have emphasized that the investigation will focus on the child’s access to the firearm and the path that allowed it to reach a classroom.

The incident has renewed scrutiny on how firearms are stored in homes with children and how quickly an unsecured weapon can enter a school environment. Officials have not released the firearm’s make or model, nor have they disclosed additional identifying information about the student.