MCDONOUGH, Ga. — McDonough High School went on lockdown Wednesday after an "accidental discharge of a gun" by a student who'd brought it in his backpack, the district said.
The student is now in custody, officials said, and is facing charges from the Henry County Police Department. The lockdown was lifted just after noon.
The district originally said authorities responded to "reports of what sounded like a possible gunshot" at the school.
McDonough Middle School was also placed on a soft-lockdown while the investigation took place.
Police said a student brought two guns in a book bag to the school. Authorities said one of the guns discharged as the student put the bag on the floor in the gymnasium. They said the student left the scene but a school resource officer, who is also a Henry County police officer, quickly overtook the student and placed the student into custody.
"The people who were in the vicinity where this took place, they knew exactly who was responsible for the incident, and they were able to corroborate that with law enforcement," said Henry County school spokesman J.D. Hardin.
"It was very scary. I was scared for my kid’s life," said Dorlette Franklin, as she left the school with her daughter.
"She was texting me as it was happening," said Antoine Tumlin, a dad who had picked up his daughter. "Yeah, it was a scary moment. Had to get up here and see what was going on ASAP."
McDonough High School has about 1100 students. The school does not use metal detectors to screen students, though Hardin said security protocols would be reviewed by school administrators.
"What we can share is that no students or staff were harmed and everyone is safe at this time," a portion of the statement reads.
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
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