Man accidentally shot himself in leg playing basketball at St. Paul elementary school, police say

Morning headlines from Jan. 19, 2024

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Police in St. Paul say a man accidentally shot himself in the leg during an open house at an elementary school Thursday night.

Officers were called to Como Elementary School on a report of a person accidentally shot with their own gun around 5:45 p.m., according to the St. Paul Police Department.

Upon arrival, officers found a 30-year-old man with a gunshot injury to the leg. He was transported to Regions Hospital for treatment.

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Police say the man had been playing basketball while carrying a handgun on his body, unholstered, when it discharged. According to school officials, the incident happened inside the gymnasium. 

The man reportedly had a valid permit to carry a firearm.

"Firearms are not allowed on any Saint Paul Public Schools property," the school said in a statement. "This includes in the parking lot and in the building."

The school says a district crisis team is available for students and staff on Friday, in addition to the school counselor and social worker. 

The incident remains under investigation.

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