WHITE PLAINS, Md. — A 9-year-old student at Billingsley Elementary School accidentally discharged a loaded Kimber K6s .357 Magnum revolver in a classroom on April 9, 2025, at approximately 10:24 a.m., leading to an early dismissal and a one-day school closure. No injuries were reported, and authorities are investigating how the child obtained the firearm.
The incident occurred when the student, seated at a desk, reached into their backpack to retrieve a piece of paper. The backpack was positioned between their legs, and the revolver discharged, with the projectile striking the ground. The classroom teacher and a nearby school resource officer (SRO) responded immediately, securing the Kimber K6s .357 Magnum and ensuring the safety of all students.
Preliminary findings suggest the revolver may belong to a relative visiting the student’s family. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office, led by Cpl. J. Brown, is examining how the student came into possession of the firearm and why it was in their backpack. Upon completion, the case will be forwarded to the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office for review.
“We are incredibly thankful and fortunate that no one was injured during today’s incident,” said Sheriff Troy D. Berry. “I want to take this moment to urge all parents and guardians to have a conversation with their students about the very real dangers of handling or bringing any type of weapon to school. These conversations matter. This incident provides an opportunity to reflect on and reinforce the importance of safety and responsibility.”
Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Superintendent Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., addressed the incident in a statement: “Earlier today, an incident occurred at Billingsley Elementary School when a student brought a loaded handgun to school, which unfortunately discharged. I am deeply grateful that no students or staff members were injured. My heartfelt thanks go out to the principal, her dedicated staff, and the school resource officer (SRO) who acted quickly to ensure everyone’s safety.”
Billingsley Elementary dismissed students early on April 9 as a precaution. The school remained closed on April 10 to allow students, staff, and families time to process the event. CCPS Student Services Department staff were available on-site to provide counseling and support. All other CCPS schools operated normally. Navarro announced a community meeting after spring break to discuss the incident, with details to follow, and emphasized collaboration with law enforcement.
“This is a situation that no student, teacher, staff member, parent or community member should ever have to face,” Navarro said. “I recognize the emotional impact this has on our community, and I am committed to keeping everyone informed as we learn more about what happened.”
The Kimber K6s .357 Magnum is a compact, six-shot revolver designed for concealed carry and personal defense. According to Kimber’s official website, it features a double-action-only trigger requiring approximately 9.5 to 11.5 pounds of force to fire. Weighing 23 ounces with a 2-inch barrel, the stainless steel revolver is built to handle both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition. An article from Guns & Ammo magazine highlights its smooth trigger pull and manageable recoil, though .357 Magnum rounds produce significant force, making accidental discharge particularly dangerous in untrained hands.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about firearm access and safety. Data from Everytown for Gun Safety indicates that unintentional shootings by children often involve unsecured weapons in households. Sheriff Berry and Superintendent Navarro urged families to discuss responsible choices with children to prevent future incidents.
CCPS reaffirmed its commitment to safety, with Navarro stating, “School safety is not just a responsibility of our schools—it is a shared commitment that involves all of us working together.” The investigation remains active, and authorities have not released additional details about potential charges or disciplinary measures pending its conclusion.
