A student “may have brought a loaded firearm” to Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School yesterday (Tuesday), according to an Alexandria City Public Schools message sent to the school’s community today.
The Alexandria Police Department recovered a firearm inside an 8-year-old child’s backpack yesterday in a Child Protective Services office at 4850 Mark Center Drive, the department told ALXnow. No injuries were reported, and officers are investigating the cause of the incident.
“The circumstances surrounding how the firearm came to be in the child’s possession remain under investigation,” APD said in a statement today.
ACPS officials were not informed of the incident until after school was dismissed for the day Tuesday, according to a letter from Principal Jerylen Daniels. The principal said she did not receive any reports from students or staff members “aware there may have been a firearm at school yesterday,” she wrote in the letter.
The involved student is not currently in school, Daniels wrote, and ACPS is “fully cooperating” with APD to assist in the investigation.
“We are focused on the safety of our students and staff and we are working with APD to ensure the students and staff at Tucker are safe,” Daniels wrote.
Daniels’ full letter is available below.
Dear Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School Families,
We are writing to inform you that Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) was notified by the Alexandria Police Department (APD) late yesterday evening that a student may have brought a loaded firearm to school on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
At this time, the student is not in school. We are focused on the safety of our students and staff and we are working with APD to ensure the students and staff at Tucker are safe.
For clarification, ACPS did not receive information regarding any student potentially having a firearm in their possession until after school was dismissed for the day. Also, I have not received reports any staff member or student was aware there may have been a firearm at school yesterday. As soon as we were informed, we began to conduct an investigation, which included a threat assessment in accordance with school protocols.
This matter is part of an ongoing law enforcement investigation, and ACPS is fully cooperating with APD to assist with the investigation.
We understand that this information is concerning for families. If your child has questions or needs support, please know that help is available. Students can speak with a teacher, counselor, administrator or any trusted adult at school if they need assistance.
Students can also reach out to CrisisText and Crisis Link at any time, 24/7, through the contacts below:
- Text: CONNECT to 85511
- Call CrisisLink: 703-527-4077
The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. Thank you for your partnership as we work together to maintain a safe and supportive school environment.
Photo via Google Maps.
