Ammunition found in DC elementary school classroom has parents demanding answers

WASHINGTON — Parents concerned about their children's safety are meeting with police and school representatives after ammunition was found in a classroom of a D.C. elementary school earlier this week. 

In a letter addressed to parents and families on Wednesday, Ricky Brown, Jr., deputy chief of school security of DC Public Schools, explained what he believed happened, and next steps for the community. Brown said two bullets were found on school grounds. 

"Following the discovery of the second unexpected cartridge yesterday evening, the Metropolitan Police Department, including members of its Canine Patrol Unit, completed additional sweeps of the building and concluded no further weapons or weapons paraphernalia were found," Brown said in the letter dated Oct. 30. 

Brown said investigators believe the bullets may have been picked up from the Ludlow-Taylor playground and then brought into the classroom.

"For context, the school's playground recently transitioned from a community playground, secured by a combination lock with the combination widely known within and beyond the community, to usage being limited to Ludlow-Taylor students," Brown explained in the letter. "The area has been cleaned since the transition, but we believe it is possible prohibited items may have been left on the playground."

Brown said the school recently purchased a new lock, and school leaders met with DC Police to develop a more comprehensive safety plan. Next steps include:

Despite these promised changes, parents WUS9 spoke with are upset about what happened at the school. School leaders invited concerned parents to a "coffee talk" Friday to discuss next steps.