Sheriff Leon Lott Warns of 'Zero Tolerance' After 3 Gun Incidents at Richland County Schools

RCSD sheriff addresses parent accountability after 3 firearm incidents at Richland Co. schools

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– On Thursday, Aug. 20, Sheriff Leon Lott discussed three incidents that happened at Richland County schools. Sheriff Lott also spoke on how the incidents involved firearms, parent accountability, and safe gun storage ahead of SMART week. Investigators said on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, around 7:30 a.m., a student at JP Thomas Elementary reported seeing a 6-year-old child on the school bus with a “BB gun”. An AR Pistol, …

Richland Co. sheriff urges parents to lock up guns after multiple incidents weeks into school year

The department has a “zero tolerance” policy for negligent storage of guns and possession of guns on school property, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said.

Sheriff Leon Lott warns of 'zero tolerance' after 3 gun incidents at Richland County schools

The incidents involved a 6-year-old, a 16-year-old and a parent who authorities say entered Ridge View High School with a loaded gun in her purse.