Third grader brings gun to Cleveland school, district says
CMSD blames a lapse in screening after a firearm entered Oliver H. Perry on Tuesday.
By Lucas Navarro ·
A third grader brought a gun to Oliver H. Perry School in Cleveland on Tuesday, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District said.
District spokesperson Jon Benedict confirmed the incident on Wednesday. He stated that the firearm entered the building because of a lapse in required screening procedures. Principal Roy James wrote to parents on Tuesday, noting that an adult saw the gun before safety personnel seized it.
James told families that officials are reviewing the safety measures at the school’s entrances. The review aims to ensure thorough metal detecting and appropriate search procedures are in place. The letter also asked parents to remind their children to tell an adult immediately if they see a firearm.
Benedict said the district will take immediate action. This includes adding security personnel, reinforcing metal detection and bag search rules, and holding staff accountable. Cleveland police confirmed the incident and said CMSD police are handling the investigation.
The school district’s statement outlined the specific steps it is taking to address the screening failure. These steps focus on physical security upgrades and procedural compliance. The investigation remains under the jurisdiction of the school district's own police force.
