Former Chapel Hill Teacher Charged for Weapon on School Grounds

Authorities say 53-year-old Harold Delk brandished a gun during a band practice on school property last September.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A now-retired teacher from Chapel Hill, Tennessee has been indicted and charged with carrying a weapon on school property. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says 53-year-old Harold Delk was investigated for allegedly brandishing a firearm during a band practice on school grounds in September 2025. Delk was booked into the Marshall County Jail on a $1,000 bond after a grand jury indictment.

Why it matters

Incidents of weapons being brought onto school campuses, even by staff, raise serious concerns about student and faculty safety. This case highlights the need for strict enforcement of laws prohibiting unauthorized firearms on school property, especially in light of ongoing debates around school security measures.

The details

According to the TBI, their investigation found that Harold Delk, a now-retired 53-year-old teacher from Chapel Hill, Tennessee, allegedly brandished a gun while attending a band practice on school property in September 2025. Following the investigation, a Marshall County Grand Jury indicted Delk and charged him with one count of carrying a weapon on school property.

  • In September 2025, Delk allegedly brandished a gun during a band practice on school property.
  • On February 23, 2026, Delk was indicted by a grand jury and charged with carrying a weapon on school property.

The players

Harold Delk

A 53-year-old now-retired teacher from Chapel Hill, Tennessee who was charged with carrying a weapon on school property.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

The state law enforcement agency that investigated the allegations against Delk.

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What’s next

Delk is currently being held on a $1,000 bond. The case will proceed through the criminal justice system, with a judge expected to rule on Delk's bail status in the coming days.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of strict enforcement of laws prohibiting unauthorized weapons on school campuses, even when the alleged perpetrator is a former staff member. It raises questions about school security protocols and the need for continued vigilance to ensure the safety of students and faculty.