GEORGIA — A reported threat of a school shooting prompted a lockdown and a large law enforcement response at a Coastal Georgia middle school Thursday afternoon, though authorities now believe the incident was a hoax.
According to the St. Marys Police Department, officers received a call around 3:15 p.m. from an individual threatening to carry out a shooting at St. Marys Middle School. Preliminary information indicates the call originated from a Google-based phone number.
Although classes had already been dismissed for the day, after-school activities were still in progress, with students and staff inside the building when the threat was reported.
Police immediately placed the school on a hard lockdown as officers responded to secure the campus. A bomb-detection K-9 unit from the Camden County Sheriff’s Office was also deployed as a precaution.
Authorities conducted a thorough search of the school and safely escorted students and staff out of the building. After completing the sweep, officials determined the campus was secure.
While investigators believe the threat was not credible, officials emphasized the seriousness of the situation.
Galloway added that such threats create fear, disrupt the educational environment and divert law enforcement resources from other critical needs.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to identify the individual responsible. Anyone with information is urged to contact the St. Marys Police Department at 912-882-4488.
