Michigan Toddler Pulls Loaded Gun at Daycare: Parents Charged

A loaded gun at daycare sparked panic in Canton Township, Michigan, on Monday, September 28, 2026, when a 3-year-old boy pulled a holstered handgun from his backpack and passed it to other children. No one was injured after staff at Children's World Early Learning Center intervened and secured the weapon, but prosecutors have now charged the boy's parents, raising urgent questions about firearm storage and child safety.

What happened at the Canton daycare?

According to Wayne County officials, the toddler found the gun inside a backpack at Children's World Early Learning Center in Canton, a suburb about 23 miles west of downtown Detroit. The firearm, which was loaded and in a holster, was registered to the child's mother. Surveillance video captured the moment the boy handled the weapon and handed it to other students before a teacher intervened. Police were called immediately, and the gun was seized.

"I could barely watch the toddler grab the firearm, even though I knew the outcome," a police chief involved in the case said. "I have seen what they did to keep the children safe there." The incident has reignited debate over Michigan safe storage law and how firearms should be secured in homes with children.

Who has been charged and what penalties do they face?

The mother, Rabab Ibrahim Al Zayad, 28, has been charged with unsafe storage of a firearm, a misdemeanor that carries up to three months in jail. Her husband, Brandon John Ely, 27, a Detroit police officer, faces a charge of fourth-degree child abuse, also described by prosecutors as creating a risk of harm, which carries up to one year behind bars.

Both parents were arraigned on Thursday, October 1, 2026, and released on bond. They denied the accusations. A pre-trial conference has been scheduled for October 30, 2026. The Detroit Police Department placed Ely on administrative leave during the investigation and revoked his access to his service weapon.

How did the child get the gun?

Investigators have not publicly explained how the boy obtained the weapon at home. Michigan law requires firearms to be locked up when children are present. The prosecutor's office noted it has handled nearly two dozen cases involving child access to firearms since 2024.

What safety changes has the daycare made?

Children's World Early Learning Center announced it will now check all backpacks brought by children and parents. Staff were praised for their swift response. "We are grateful that there were no fatalities," the Wayne County prosecutor said, calling the event "a very disturbing incident."

Why this case matters for gun safety

The incident underscores the dangers of unsecured firearms in homes with children. Gun safety advocates say secure storage laws are critical, while critics argue enforcement is uneven. The case also raises questions about how a police officer's household could allow such access. Similar cases of child access to firearms have drawn national attention, and this Michigan incident is likely to become another reference point in the ongoing debate.

FAQ: Loaded gun at daycare incident

What happened at the Michigan daycare?

A 3-year-old boy pulled a loaded, holstered handgun from his backpack at Children's World Early Learning Center in Canton, Michigan, and passed it to other children before staff intervened.

Who has been charged?

The boy's mother, Rabab Ibrahim Al Zayad, faces an unsafe firearm storage charge, and his father, Detroit police officer Brandon John Ely, faces fourth-degree child abuse. Both deny the charges.

What does Michigan law require for gun storage?

Michigan law requires firearms to be locked when children are present. Violations can lead to misdemeanor charges and jail time.

Were there any injuries?

No. Staff secured the weapon, and no one was injured.

What safety measures has the daycare added?

The daycare now checks all backpacks brought by children and parents.