Unloaded Weapon Found in Texas Elementary Student’s Backpack

KILLEEN, Texas — An unloaded weapon was discovered in a student’s backpack at Pat Carney Elementary School on Wednesday, according to a letter sent to parents by school officials. The incident prompted immediate action from school administrators and local police, though no threat to students or staff was reported.

Principal Paige Gawryszewski assured parents in the letter that “at no time were students or staff in danger, and there was no intent to cause harm.” The school day continued as normal, with administrators working alongside the Killeen Independent School District (KISD) Police Department to address the situation. The student’s parents were notified, and the matter was handled in accordance with district protocols.

Gawryszewski emphasized the importance of reinforcing school policies with students, stating, “We ask for your partnership in reinforcing with your student that weapons of any kind—including toy replicas or look-alikes—are not permitted on school grounds.” The letter also reminded parents of the district’s zero-tolerance policy regarding weapons on campus.

No further details about the type of weapon or the student involved were disclosed. The KISD Police Department has not released additional information, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

This incident comes amid heightened concerns about school safety nationwide. In recent years, schools across the country have implemented stricter security measures, including increased police presence and enhanced screening protocols, to prevent similar occurrences.

Pat Carney Elementary School, part of the Killeen Independent School District, serves students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. The district has not indicated whether additional security measures will be implemented in response to this incident.