Louisiana boy, 7, shot in classroom when gun falls out of another student’s backpack

A 7-year-old boy is in critical but stable condition after a gun that another student brought to school was accidentally discharged on Monday.

People reports that the incident took place at Moss Bluff Elementary School in Moss Bluff. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso stated that a student picked up the gun when it fell out of another boy’s backpack while inside a classroom. The gun discharged and hit another student. The incident, which was isolated to just one classroom, is currently under investigation.

“The gun fell out of the backpack in the classroom and another student picked it up. The gun accidentally fired, hitting another student.”

Due to the ages of the children involved, the child who brought the gun to school and the child who picked the gun will not face criminal charges. However, according to Mancuso, the parents of the child who brought the gun to school may face charges once authorities complete the investigation. The District Attorney’s Office (DA) will ultimately decide who, if anyone, will face charges.

“I’m a pro-gun advocate and I believe in the 2nd amendment that allows us to possess and carry firearms, however, I also believe that it is our responsibility as gun owners to keep our guns locked and out of the reach of children,” Mancuso said.

The boy who shot himself underwent emergency surgery shortly after the incident.

The story is still developing. Check back with Crime Online as additional details become available.