Man who accidentally shot himself at Arlington school released from hospital, arrested

An Arlington elementary school was under lockdown Thursday morning after a parent brought a concealed gun onto school grounds and accidentally shot himself, police said.

Duff Elementary School was “placed on a brief lockdown,” which was quickly lifted, said Anita Foster, a spokesperson for Arlington school district, in an email to the Star-Telegram. “No threats were made to the school at any time and all students and staff remained safe during the lockdown.”

Police said 55-year-old Anthony White has been released from the hospital and arrested. He faces one count of unlawful carrying of a weapon in prohibited places, which is a third-degree felony, and one count of discharge of a firearm in certain municipalities, police said. He was being held at the Arlington City Jail on Thursday evening.

A report from KXAS-TV said the man was walking toward the front office of the school and was adjusting his pants when his gun, tucked into his waistband, discharged.

The man’s leg and foot were wounded and he was taken to the hospital, police said Thursday morning.

Tim Ciesco, a police spokesman, said that the father was at the school to pick up a child and police don’t believe he had any malicious intent.

“No students or staff members were hurt. There was no damage to school property,” Ciesco told the Star-Telegram in an email, adding that an investigation is “underway and criminal charges are pending.”

It is illegal to bring a weapon into a school unless specifically authorized by law, such as in the case of law enforcement.

The elementary school was scheduled for an early release at 12:10 p.m., which occurred as scheduled, the school district said.