ORANGE COUNTY, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the discovery of a loaded gun inside Orange Elementary School on Monday, September 16, 2024.

The precise location has not been identified, but at after 12:30 p.m., an instructional assistant discovered a loaded firearm inside the backpack of a 6-year-old student inside the school. At approximately 12:50 pm, an Orange County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer (SRO) was contacted by Orange Elementary School staff. The SRO and a school administrator took possession and put the school in safe mode. Nobody was injured and no threats were made prior to the firearm’s discovery.

No arrests had been made as of Monday evening, but the investigation is ongoing. Out of an abundance of caution, the district added additional law enforcement at the school for the remainder of Monday. They will continue their presence on Tuesday.