Investigators are looking into how the gun was stored by the parent, and how the child got a hold of it.

ST PAUL, Minn. — St. Paul Police say a second-grader brought a loaded gun to school on Wednesday.

The incident happened at Highland Park Elementary School. Police say a 7-year-old boy brought the gun to school. Someone reported seeing it, and the school resource officer was able to recover it.

Principal Nancy Flynn said in an email to families that staff immediately followed "safety procedures" and found and recovered a handgun.

Police say the gun was loaded but had a trigger lock on it. The mother of the student had reported the gun stolen three days earlier. The student was turned over to his mother.

Investigators are looking into how the gun was stored by the parent, and how the child got a hold of it.

Principal Flynn called it a "serious situation" and said no threats were made, and there was no intent to use the weapon.

"We will not tolerate any behavior that puts our school, students or staff at risk," Flynn said. She said they will follow standard discipline procedures with the student. Because he is under 10 years old, police say he can't be charged with a crime.

"Schools are safe places to be and we strive to do everything it takes to make sure it stays that way," Flynn said in her note to families. She called on parents to talk with their children about reporting any concerns they have about school to a trusted adult. She also asked parents to check their children's backpacks "to ensure non-educational items are left at home."