Richmond Daycare Closes After Firearm Incident
The Virginia Department of Education shuttered Thrive Learning Center East following reports of a toddler accessing a loaded gun.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Child Care
Thrive Learning Center East in Richmond ceased operations on October 1, 2026, after a 2-year-old child accessed a loaded firearm at the facility. Staff failed to secure the weapon, which was left in an unzipped fanny pack.
Why it matters
The closure follows state inspections that revealed significant safety violations, including an incident where a toddler held a loaded firearm for 15 seconds. The facility remains closed pending the outcome of administrative proceedings regarding these breaches.
A 2-year-old retrieved a loaded firearm from a fanny pack located 31 inches off the ground. Inspectors also discovered a 14-month-old child had been left unsupervised at the facility.
The players
Martha Evans
She faces charges of reckless storage of a firearm and possession of a firearm at a daycare, which carries a potential five-year prison sentence.
Virginia Department of Education
This state agency oversees the licensing and safety compliance of child care facilities across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The details
On September 25, 2026, a 2-year-old child placed the barrel of a loaded gun in their mouth after retrieving it from an unzipped fanny pack on a stack of cots. While three staff members were distracted, the child held the firearm for approximately 15 seconds before the situation was identified.
Timeline
September 25, 2026: A 2-year-old accessed a loaded firearm at the daycare.
September 30, 2026: The Virginia Department of Education conducted a follow-up visit.
October 1, 2026: Thrive Learning Center East ceased operations.
Culture Shift
The incident reflects a broader movement toward stricter enforcement of child care safety regulations. State authorities are increasingly prioritizing facility accountability to align with modern standards for safeguarding children in institutional settings.
Parents previously utilizing this facility must now secure alternative child care arrangements while the daycare remains closed. Families in the Richmond area should verify the licensing status of their current providers through state regulatory portals to ensure compliance.
The takeaway
Maintaining strict oversight of high-risk items like firearms in childcare settings is essential for preventing catastrophic accidents. Responsible storage and constant adult supervision remain the primary defenses against such life-threatening oversights.
Further reading
For more information on state safety standards, visit Child Care.
