Lindley Middle School shooting: Student dies after shooting self on campus, police say
MABLETON, Ga. - Lindley Middle School was placed on lockdown Jan. 15 after a student shot herself on campus, authorities said.
The incident prompted a swift response from local law enforcement to the school on Veterans Memorial Highway.
Lindley Middle School shooting
The backstory:
On a seemingly ordinary Wednesday afternoon, Lindley Middle School in Mableton became the scene of a tragic incident.
Located at 50 Veterans Memorial Highway, the school was thrust into chaos when police say a student used a firearm to commit self-harm. The incident prompted an immediate response from the Cobb County Police Department and the Cobb County School Police, who secured the campus and placed it on lockdown to ensure the safety of students and staff.
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Mableton middle school secured after shooting
What we know:
Officer S.A. Barner of the Cobb County Police Department confirmed, "In conjunction with the Cobb County School Police, we responded to an incident at Lindley Middle School following a report of a person shot. The campus was immediately secured, and the school was placed on lockdown to ensure the safety of students and staff. We can confirm there is one victim."
The student, who remains unidentified, is in critical condition and was flown to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
A spokesperson for the Cobb County School District stated, "This afternoon, a student at Lindley Middle School tragically used a firearm to commit self-harm, prompting a Code Red. A school administrator, along with a Cobb County School District police officer, responded immediately and secured the weapon."
Was there a weapons detection system?
What we don't know:
The identity of the victim and the extent of their injuries have not been disclosed.
Additionally, it is unclear how the student obtained the firearm and managed to bring it onto campus. Sgt. McCraw noted, "It's still very early, we don't know where the weapon was at, how she got it in or anything like that. We do not have weapons detectors on the middle school level at this point."
Reaction to Lindley Middle School shooting
Local perspective:
The incident has deeply affected the local community. Pastor Roy Moore of Leland/Qwest United Methodist Church, located across the street from the school, described the scene as "heartbreaking." He added, "I only can imagine how the parents feel right now, not only her parents, but other parents thinking about their child. All I can do is offer peace and comfort and prayer."
Mableton Mayor Michael Owens also issued a statement, emphasizing the city's commitment to maintaining safety and security for students while offering prayers and support to the affected student and her family.
Lindley Middle School shares her story
What they're saying:
Alison, an eighth-grade student at Lindley Middle School, recounted the terrifying moments during the lockdown. "Next thing you know, the code red alarm goes off," she said. Initially mistaking it for a fire drill, she soon realized the gravity of the situation. "But it turned out it was much worse than we thought," she explained. Alison and her classmates huddled in the locker room, grappling with fear and uncertainty. "I was thinking was I ever going to see my family again?" she recalled.
Lindley Middle School lockdown lifted
What's next:
The lockdown was lifted once authorities confirmed there was no specific threat to other students.
Parents were directed to reunite with their children at Leland United Methodist Church. Counseling services are being offered to support students and staff during this difficult time, and the school community is urged to respect the privacy of those affected.
Officer S.A. Barner expressed gratitude for the community's cooperation, stating, "We are working closely with the Cobb County School Police and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Thank you for your understanding, cooperation, and patience during this time."
Student passes away a week later
Update:
On Jan. 22, Cobb County police confirmed the student succumbed to the injuries she sustained from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. However, they are not releasing any other information, including her name and age.
The Source: The Cobb County Police Department and Cobb County Schools provided details for this article. Originally reporting by FOX 5's Denise Dillon and Christopher King were also used.