The shooting sent shock waves through Newport News, a city of about 185,000 that is known for its shipbuilding industry. It has also raised questions about school security and how a child so young could gain access to a gun and shoot his teacher.

"At this point in time, the policy lists several items that the officers have access to. They do not necessarily carry those with them at all times," Superintendent Charles Prijatelj said. "The purpose is so that if there is a situation, heaven forbid, they will have access to what they need equipment-wise to deal with it."

When authorities in Newport News, Virginia, announced on Jan. 6 that a 6-year-old boy brought a gun to school and shot his teacher, sending her to the hospital, the country was stunned. The city's mayor said it was nearly impossible to grapple with what happened. The police chief called the case "unprecedented."

The student had taken the gun from his residence and put it in his backpack before bringing it to Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew said Monday. Drew said the 9mm handgun had been legally purchased by the student's mother in York County.