A parent is facing criminal charges after their 8-year-old child brought a loaded handgun to Aiken Elementary School, according to the Brownsville Independent School District.

The Brownsville ISD Police Department said the unidentified second grader had the gun tucked inside their waistband. A coach discovered the weapon after another student told them a classmate may have had what they thought was a toy gun.

The school went on lockdown while the situation was handled.

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Brownsville ISD Police Chief Anna Gaucin said the child did not appear to intend to use the gun against anyone.

"When it comes to why he brought it, it seems the child was curious, found it, and there was never any indication there was a threat of some sort or that he intended on using it against anybody else," Gaucin said.

The gun belonged to the child's parent. That parent was arrested and charged with making a firearm accessible to a child and endangering a child. The district said the parent will not be identified.

Brownsville ISD Superintendent Timothy Cuff said the situation should serve as a warning to parents who keep guns at home.

"We need to stress that we cannot leave these handguns where a child can readily get it," Cuff said. "Children are very creative. They can get a ladder. They can get a step stool, so there's nowhere safe except in a locked safe where only the parent either knows the combination or has a key."

Aiken Elementary sent a letter to families asking parents to take one or two minutes every morning to check their child's backpack and belongings before they leave for school. The school is also asking parents to look for other banned items like knives and vapes.

Brownsville ISD says counselors and staff will be available at the campus to provide counseling and emotional support to any students who need it.

Elementary campuses in the district do not have metal detectors, but Cuff said there is an officer at every campus. Cuff said metal detectors are something he may discuss with district police after this incident.