Tylin Parker, a Newton, Mississippi six-year old was airlifted to the hospital after being shot in the leg by a seven-year old first grader who had brought a gun to school in his backpack.  According to police, the gun went off accidentally just as the children were getting out of school. Both how the child got possession of a gun and the circumstances of the accident are under investigation.

The incident resulted in a lockdown.  The school district released a statement that said in part,  “our thoughts and prayers go out to the students and parents of Newton Elementary School as well as all NMSD students, their families, faculty, and staff.”

Tylin will need at least two surgeries, according to his mother. She added, “I’m sad that it’s happened to him, that I couldn’t protect my child. … He’s going to be in a wheelchair for a while. He has to have physical therapy. We’re going to have to have a lot of help with him and stuff because it’s going to be a while before he can start back walking again.”

Sources:

Kaitlin Howell, Anthony Howard, “Child Airlifted to Hospital after ‘Accidental’ Shooting at Newton Elementary School,” KJTV (October 1, 2021).

“Mother Expresses Anger, Disbelief Over Son Shot in School,”  (October 1, 2021).