Nashville child shot in head remains in extremely critical condition as police investigate firearm access at home

What authorities say happened

A child remains hospitalized with what police described as extremely critical injuries after a gunshot wound to the head inside a Nashville home. Investigators have characterized the incident as an apparent accidental, self-inflicted shooting and said the case remains under active review.

Police reported that the child’s mother, who had returned from work, went to sleep and was later awakened around midday by a loud noise. She then found her son in a bedroom suffering from a gunshot wound. The child’s parents transported him to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, where he remained in extremely critical condition at last public update.

Investigators said a nine-millimeter pistol was recovered from the home. Detectives assigned to youth services are leading the inquiry, which is expected to be staffed with the District Attorney’s Office once investigative steps are completed.

Key known details and what remains unclear

• Location: the shooting occurred inside a residence on Elizabeth Jordan Street.

• Condition: the child was described as being in extremely critical condition after arriving at the hospital.

• Weapon recovered: a nine-millimeter pistol.

• Unresolved questions: how the child gained access to the firearm, where and how it was stored, and whether any adult actions violated state or local laws.

Police have publicly described the incident as an apparent accidental, self-inflicted shooting and have indicated the case is still under investigation.

How the case fits into broader public-safety concerns

The investigation highlights recurring challenges for cities nationwide: firearms kept in homes can become accessible to children when storage practices fail or are inconsistent. In such incidents, investigators typically focus on the chain of access—where the gun was kept, whether it was secured, who owned it, and whether any safeguarding measures were in place.

In Nashville, police have continued to emphasize safe storage and have said gun locks are available free of charge at police headquarters, precincts, and a public records counter in Madison. While gun locks do not replace other storage options, they are intended to reduce the likelihood that a child can quickly operate a firearm.

What happens next

Detectives are expected to continue interviews and evidence collection to determine the circumstances leading to the shooting, including firearm ownership and storage. Authorities have indicated they will coordinate with prosecutors after the investigative phase is complete. No charges were announced in the public update detailing the incident.