A Florida mother is facing serious charges after allegedly placing a loaded firearm in her young child’s backpack and instructing the child to deliver it to their father.
The incident occurred on Aug. 13 at Coppergate Elementary School, also known as Coppergate School of the Arts, in Middleburg, Clay County.
According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), the child discovered the weapon upon arriving at school and immediately alerted a teacher, who contacted authorities.
As a precaution, the school was placed on a temporary “secure status,” allowing instruction to continue while restricting movement in and out of the building.
Deputies quickly recovered the weapon before any harm was done.
Investigators allege that Sierra Bronner, 39, placed the firearm in the child’s backpack and instructed the child to return it to their father. The child’s father, unaware of the situation, had dropped the youngster off at school with the weapon still in the bag.
Bronner was arrested and charged with child neglect and giving a firearm to a minor. She was booked into the Clay County Jail without incident. The Florida Department of Children and Families has also been notified and taken action in response to the case.
Sheriff Michelle Cook condemned the situation, calling it a reckless act that could have ended in tragedy.
“In this specific case, this was a poor decision and could’ve ended in tragedy. I’m grateful for our partnership with Clay County District Schools and applaud our school resource deputies and detectives for their work to keep our students safe,” Cook said in a statement.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about gun safety in homes with children. In 2022, a similar incident in Chicago drew national attention when an eight-year-old student brought a gun to class, where it discharged accidentally and injured another student.
The boy’s mother was later charged with endangering children.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office urged parents to maintain open communication with children and to always check backpacks and belongings before sending kids to school.
