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Indiana Mother Arrested After Allegedly Bringing Gun to Elementary School, Threatening Teacher
An Indiana woman was taken into custody after she allegedly brought a firearm onto elementary school grounds and threatened to murder a teacher’s family. The incident reportedly stemmed from the mother’s disapproval of an assignment she mistakenly believed was related to LGBTQ topics at Valley Mills Elementary School in Indianapolis.
Incident at Valley Mills Elementary
Carrie Rivers, 48, reportedly entered Valley Mills Elementary School in Indianapolis on Wednesday with a handgun tucked into her waistband. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by news sources, Rivers confronted her daughter’s sixth-grade teacher regarding “a work assignment that had to do with same-sexuality relationships.”
Confrontation and Initial Police Response
Police officers were dispatched to the school following reports of a “disgruntled parent” on the premises. Upon arrival, officers encountered Rivers, who allegedly used a homophobic slur to describe her daughter’s teacher. Rivers also stated her intention to withdraw her daughter from Valley Mills to homeschool her. When questioned by officers, Rivers admitted to carrying a weapon.
According to the responding officer’s affidavit, “Carrie Rivers stated that she did have a gun as I was removing it from her person. [Rivers] stated that she didn’t even realize that she had it on because she is so used to wearing it and has been on school property with it before.”
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Threatening Messages Sent to Teacher
Rivers was initially released but subsequently sent a series of threatening messages to the teacher within thirty minutes of leaving the school.
Details of the Alleged Threats
Among the messages, one reportedly stated, “God will condemn you to hell.” Another message labeled the teacher, who displays a photograph of her wife and child on her desk, as “a child predator.”
Further messages allegedly from Rivers included, “Say ur prayers and kiss ur kids goodbye and goodnight u never know when god says its our time so be prepared.”
Another message reportedly accused the teacher of telling “precious innocent kids that it’s ok to be in same sex relationships.” Rivers reportedly told police that the teacher was “trying to push her personal agenda in regard to sexuality on her daughter,” according to the affidavit.
Teacher’s Explanation of Assignment
The teacher explained to authorities that the assignment was focused on flags and that a rainbow pride flag with the words “Be Kind” was used as an example of a non-national flag.
The teacher also confirmed that Rivers’ daughter was allowed to opt out of the assignment.
Father’s Comments and School Response
The girl’s father, Leon Rivers, asserted that it was common for parents to bring guns to school, despite existing prohibitions. He claimed it is typical for parents to briefly carry firearms onto school property while dropping off or picking up children, stating his wife simply “forgot to leave it” at home.
School officials barred Rivers from school grounds and informed news sources that while no threats were made on school property, an arrest warrant was issued due to the subsequent threatening messages sent to the teacher.
School District Statement
The Metropolitan School District of Decatur Township issued a statement affirming, “We are committed to ensuring a safe learning environment for students and staff, and are grateful for the quick action of the office staff and school police in handling the situation safely.”