POWDER SPRINGS, Ga. — Two people were shot in the parking lot at McEachern High School Thursday afternoon, officials said, in a situation that sparked a large police response to the school.
The two individuals were not students, Cobb Police said, and were taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital for treatment. Police said they were both expected to survive.
In an update Thursday evening, the police department said officers are still canvassing the area and its major crimes unit is investigating.
"Detectives are working diligently to identify and apprehend those involved," Cobb Police added.
Just before 4 p.m., police said the school was considered secure and students were safe. It had earlier been in a code red lockdown as officers cleared the campus.
"This was never an active shooter. This was not that type of instance," Cobb County Police Chief Stuart VanHoozer said at an afternoon press conference. "I will say this -- when we get these calls, we don't know if it's an active shooter or not, and so our officers treat it as if it is an active shooter. We train for this... every single year in Cobb County, and we know how to handle these."
It was not yet clear if there was more than one shooter in the incident, police said. They said they had reviewed a video that appeared to be of the moment the shooting broke out that was circulating on social media and believed it was likely authentic.
School officials confirmed there had been code yellow soft lockdowns at other nearby schools, including Varner Elementary, Compton Elementary, and Tapp Middle, that were placed out of caution. Those were also lifted.
Police clarified that as of around 4 p.m., the crime scene at the parking lot area was still active and they were advising parents not to try to come to the school, with dismissal and reunification details available below.
Dismissal plans
Cobb County Schools said in a release at 3:30 p.m. that students who drove to school would be released shortly and that buses would then be allowed to continue on their normal routes.
For parents
Police are directing parents of students at McEachern High School to 2595 New Macland Road (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). Please also advise to travel from Richard D Sailors Pkwy as New Macland Road south from Macland Road will be closed.
You can re-watch the full press conference below:
"We understand that incidents like these can cause anxiety and concern among our community members. Counseling and support services will be available for students and staff needing assistance processing these events," Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid said in a statement in part. "Together, as a resilient community, we will support one another through these challenging times."
Earlier information
The Cobb County School District released this statement:
This afternoon, and only moments ago, we can verify two individuals who are not current McEachern students have been shot in a parking lot on our campus. Both individuals appear to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Cobb Schools Police and Cobb County Police have secured the campus and are actively investigating the identities of both individuals and the associated circumstances. The campus is in code red, police are on campus, and for the safety of both students and staff, parents will not be allowed on campus, and buses will not run until the code red is lifted. We will provide an additional update to the public once one is available.
Cobb County Police said they were assisting the school district police department on scene.
"We are responding to assist the Cobb County School District Police Department at McEachern High School. We have no information to provide at this time other than there is a shelter in place and officers are clearing the campus of an armed intruder. We will provide updates as they are available," Cobb Police said.
The Powder Springs Police Department also wrote on Facebook it was on scene: "Limited information but a confirmed shooting at McEachern High School. PSPD on scene helping Cobb School Police at this time. No update on victims or shooter at this time."
The Cobb County Sheriff's Office also said it was on scene.
Georgia Department of Transportation traffic cameras show police blocking off the road at the intersection of Macland Road and New Macland Road. The school is on New Macland Road.
Photos | Scene at McEachern High after 2 shot in parking lot
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