An Indiana mother faces serious charges after bringing a firearm to her daughter’s elementary school during a confrontation with a teacher over what she mistakenly believed was an LGBTQ lesson.
Key Insights
- Carrie Rivers was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm on school property and harassment after confronting her daughter’s teacher at Valley Mills Elementary School.
- The confrontation stemmed from a misunderstanding about a classroom lesson on flags that included mention of the rainbow pride flag as an example of a non-national flag.
- Despite her daughter being allowed to skip the assignment, Rivers allegedly sent threatening messages to the teacher and referred to her as a “child predator.”
- Rivers claimed she was unaware she had the gun with her, stating she was accustomed to carrying it regularly.
Confrontation Over Classroom Content
Carrie Rivers confronted her daughter’s sixth-grade teacher at Valley Mills Elementary School in Indianapolis over an assignment she believed promoted LGBTQ content. The lesson, which was actually about different types of flags, included a reference to the rainbow pride flag as an example of a non-national flag. Despite the teacher allowing Rivers’ daughter to opt out of the assignment, the situation escalated quickly. The teacher, who reportedly had a picture of her wife and daughter on her desk, became the target of Rivers’ anger.
When school officials discovered Rivers had brought a firearm onto school grounds during the confrontation, they immediately contacted authorities. Officer Tabetha Emenaker, who responded to the scene, documented the severity of the situation. Rivers was found with a pistol in her waistband and reportedly used homophobic language toward the teacher during their interaction.
Firearms and Threats
According to police reports, Rivers’ presence at the school with a weapon created a serious safety concern. When confronted by authorities, Rivers admitted to having the weapon. The responding officer, Tabetha Emenaker, stated in her report: “Carrie Rivers stated that she did have a gun as I was removing it from her person.”
“We see [other parents] bring guns into the school all the time, just to drop kids off”
The situation grew more concerning when, after leaving the school, Rivers allegedly sent a series of threatening messages to the teacher. In these communications, she reportedly called the teacher a “child predator” and made alarming statements. One particularly disturbing message read: “Say ur prayers and kiss ur kids goodbye and goodnight u never know when god says its our time so be prepared.” These messages have been entered as evidence in the case against Rivers.
Legal Consequences and School Response
Rivers now faces multiple charges including possession of a firearm on school property and harassment. She has been banned from the school campus, and a warrant was filed for her arrest. Her husband, Leon Rivers, attempted to defend her actions by claiming she simply forgot to leave the gun behind. More controversially, he suggested that parents regularly bring firearms to the school, stating: “We see [other parents] bring guns into the school all the time, just to drop kids off.” This claim contradicts Indiana law, which prohibits firearms on school property.
“God will condemn you to hell”
School district officials have emphasized their commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment for all students and staff. In a statement, they praised the quick response of staff and police in handling the situation. The district has also implemented additional security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The case highlights ongoing tensions over curriculum content in schools and the extreme measures some parents may take when they believe their parental rights or values are being challenged.
Sources:
- Indiana mom took gun to grade school and threatened lesbian teacher, police say
- ‘Irate’ mother arrested after bringing gun to school, allegedly threatening to murder lesbian teacher’s family over LGBTQ assignment
