Toddler carries loaded gun found in accessible bag at Virginia daycare

A two-year-old at a Richmond, Virginia, daycare found a loaded gun in an accessible bag, put it in their mouth and carried it to a table where five other toddlers were sitting. A staff member noticed after about 15 seconds and took the weapon away; no injury was reported. The state says the daycare operator had brought the gun to work regularly, and the incident raises concerns about firearm storage and child supervision.

The Virginia Department of Social Services said the bag was left unzipped on a low stack of cots while two of three staff members were looking at their phones. The daycare reported the incident four days later, beyond the required 24-hour window. The operator, Martha Evans, was arrested and charged with felony possession of a firearm at a school and misdemeanor reckless handling; the state also cited missing health and emergency records, late staff training and another toddler left unsupervised while napping. The centre must complete a corrective plan to remain open.