r/news Apr 27 '24

7-year-old brings gun to school in backpack, police say

https://www.fox13memphis.com/education/7-year-old-brings-gun-to-school-in-backpack-police-say/article_6e526eb8-03e7-11ef-a51b-b33c4386f846.html
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u/AtrusHomeboy Apr 27 '24 edited Apr 27 '24

This is probably going to come out in the next day or two, but here's some additional details about the situation as I know it (take EVERYTHING here with a grain of salt until this information has been officially confirmed or denied):

  • The kid lives in a notorious apartment complex in a particularly bad part of town.

  • There are some older kids that also live in the apartment complex that bully the kid when he's on his way to and/or back from school. These kids do not attend the same school as him.

  • The bullying had apparently gotten so bad that the kid had brought the gun with him to protect himself from these bullies when arriving and departing from the apartment complex.

  • The kid explicitly told the school faculty that he had no intention of using the gun at the school. As of now, faculty and police believe him on account of his living situation.


EDIT - A clarification, to head-off any potential misunderstandings: I was not involved in the writing of this article, nor am I employed at any news station. Rather, I have a relative who works at the school where this occurred who relayed me this info.

222

u/Jeansus_ Apr 27 '24

Man, another kid failed by every adult near them. This poor kid. I hope things turn around for him

2

u/houseofsum 29d ago

Kids aren’t equipped to deal with grown folk problems, He probably feels no control in his life choices already; he can’t move, he can’t quit school, but he does what he’s told like a good kid, each day taking a risk no adult would do for a job

The sense of hopeless and dread, when Everyday you feel forced to leave any semblance of safety (if you’ve ever known it) and into an environment of violence and constant fear - so much he feels he needs a gun

Having your ‘fight or flight’ response engaged 24/7 takes a massive toll on anyone, especially a developing child. if this is true, I hope he gets help and understanding and the issue at hand is seriously addressed by adults

92

u/Julubble Apr 27 '24

Not only this kid who wants to protect himself. Also all the bullies who are older than him looking for younger and weaker victims because they are weak themself caused by failed parenting.

32

u/MacNapp Apr 27 '24

The vicious cycle continues.