Bullets found in the cafeteria of a Raleigh elementary school

Two bullets were found on the cafeteria floor of York Elementary School on April 17, according to the Wake County Public Schools System.

2025-04-22

"Two bullets were found on the floor in the cafeteria. The students who found the ammunition immediately told a staff member, who then reported it to the administration and our school resource officer and the bullet was confiscated," said Katherine Williams, York Elementary School Principal, in a message to parents.

Williams said that while no students were threatened or harmed, the incident is unacceptable.

"I want to make it clear that bringing something of this nature to school is unacceptable, and any student found to be responsible will be disciplined in accordance with district policies,” Williams said.

Parents in the area told WRAL News the incident was alarming. 

“It’s concerning. I have a child in elementary school and if it can happen there, it could probably happen at any school. And that’s very scary to me as a parent," said Kara Malone, a parent in the district.

Raleigh parent Austin Fitzgerald understands that kids are inquisitive and believes parents need to keep a watchful eye.

“Just having a young daughter myself, kids get into stuff. If you’re a parent and you don’t lock up your ammunition, I’m sure it’s easy for a kid to find," said Fitzgerald. 

In February, a 5-year-old girl in Henderson was shot and killed after her 3-year-old brother got hold of an unsecured firearm. Malone tells WRAL News gun owners must secure their weapons properly. 

“If you have guns at home, keep them locked. I would say keep them out of reach. Not just under the bed," Malone said.

WRAL News asked Wake County Public Schools where the ammunition came from and if any York Elementary School students would be disciplined.

In a statement to WRAL News, the school district said it would hold a parent safety night at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Garner Magnet High School. The district will also have a press conference with N.C. SAFE and local law enforcement at 10 a.m. Thursday at the high school.