ATLANTA, Georgia – In a joint press conference held late Wednesday evening, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and representatives from the Atlanta Public Schools Police Department and the Atlanta Police Department provided updates on a shooting that occurred at Benjamin E. Mays High School earlier that day. The incident resulted in four student injuries.
According to officials, the shooting arose from a fight that broke out around 4 p.m., shortly after school had been dismissed. The altercation escalated, leading to gunfire. All four injured students, identified as three 17-year-olds and one 18-year-old, are male. They were swiftly taken to a nearby hospital and are expected to survive. Thankfully, no other students, faculty, or staff were harmed.
Atlanta Public Schools Police Chief Ronald Applin revealed that an officer was on the scene as the shots were fired. The officer promptly called for backup. Responding to the distress call, both the Atlanta Public Schools Police Department and the Atlanta Police Department quickly arrived at the campus, joined by firefighters and medics.
Law enforcement immediately initiated a search for a vehicle that was reportedly seen in the school’s parking lot during the shooting. Approximately five miles away from the high school, officers apprehended a 35-year-old mother, a 17-year-old girl, and another male in the suspected vehicle. All three individuals are currently cooperating with investigators.
No charges have been filed yet, and the identities of those involved have not been released. In response to the incident, all after-school activities at Benjamin E. Mays High School were canceled. However, classes are scheduled to resume as normal on Thursday.
Mayor Dickens, an alumnus of Mays High School himself, expressed shock and heartbreak over the shooting. In a press conference, he emphasized his commitment to ending youth violence and ensuring the safety of all students. The mayor pledged increased security measures at the high school, hoping to alleviate any fears students may have.
In conclusion, the shooting at Benjamin E. Mays High School on Wednesday, the sixth anniversary of the Parkland shooting, caused four student injuries. As the investigation continues, Atlanta authorities are working diligently to protect their community and prevent further incidents.