Fact check: Was a 4-year-old pre-school girl in Connecticut summoned for jury duty?

DARIEN, CONNECTICUT: In early February, a rumor circulated across social media platforms claiming that a 4-year-old pre-school girl in Connecticut was summoned for jury duty.

As per the rumor, the girl's father is trying to get her up to speed so she can perform her civic duty. But is there any truth to this viral rumor? Let us find out below.

Claim: A 4-year-old pre-school girl in Connecticut summoned for jury duty

Several X accounts came up with a social media post in early February claiming that a 4-year-old pre-school girl in Connecticut was summoned for jury duty.

An X account of a news outlet posted, "DID YOU SAY JURY DUTY?! A 4 -year-old from Darien was summoned into jury duty at the Stamford Superior Court. The last time this type of situation occurred was in 2019."

Similarly, another X post read, "A dad in Darien, Connecticut, couldn't believe it when his 4-year-old daughter received a notice of jury duty." 

The rumor claims that Dr Omar Ibrahimi, the father of 4-year-old Zara Ibrahimi, couldn't believe it when his 4-year-old daughter received a notice of jury duty. As per the claim, the notice arrived on Monday, February 2, with its stern reminder that this is a summons, and not an invitation.

Fact check: True, several media outlet confirms it

The claims made in the viral posts are true, as several credible news sources, including ABC News, reported the incident in early February 2026.

The preschool girl, Zara Ibrahimi from Darien, Connecticut, got a jury summons asking her to report to Stamford Superior Court on April 15, 2026. As per several reports, her parents, Dr Omar Ibrahimi and Sadia Ibrahimi, were initially shocked, assuming it was for one of them.

The 4-year-old girl reacted, saying things like "I'm just a baby!" when her parents explained jury duty in simple terms, as per media reports. She also worried about getting in trouble or even 'going to jail' if she didn't show up.

However, the Connecticut Judicial Branch confirmed it was an error from their end. After the family contacted officials, she was excused as Connecticut law requires jurors to be at least 18 years old.

Interestingly, this is not the first time something like this has happened. Similar rare clerical errors take place occasionally nationwide. The story went viral mainly because of its humorous nature, as the parents shared the girl's innocent response.