Virginia Parents Charged After Gun Discharges at School

In Fredericksburg, Virginia, a third-grader accidentally discharged a handgun found at home while reaching into a backpack at Lee Hill Elementary School, leading to the arrest of his parents, Terrence Carroll Jr. and Ciara Armstead. The gun went off during class, but no injuries were reported as the teacher quickly evacuated the students. The parents face charges of felony child endangerment and misdemeanor for recklessly leaving an unsecured firearm accessible to a child. They have been released on a $5,000 bond and are cooperating with authorities, with an arraignment scheduled for April 11. The investigation revealed that the child had no intent to harm anyone. School officials emphasized the importance of parents ensuring that children bring only necessary items to school and offered counseling to affected students and staff.