A false threat called into Atlanta Police Department caused Atlanta’s Midtown High School to lockdown for about 30 minutes on Wednesday morning.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said during an unrelated press conference that someone had called 911 and said a hostage situation was underway inside Midtown High. He described at as a “hoax” and a “swatting call,” designed to bring out a large amount of law enforcement to an address where no actual emergency is taking place.
Schierbaum said APD was working with Atlanta Public School’s police department to investigate the incident.
An APS spokesperson also said a nearby elementary school was also put on interior lockdown.
“Out of an abundance of caution Midtown and Morningside Elementary, which is nearby, went on interior lockdown while Atlanta Police and Atlanta Public Schools police searched the Midtown building and campus. The threat was deemed to be a hoax, the lockdowns were lifted after about 30 minutes and the school day proceeded as normal,” said Seth Coleman, APS director of media relations and social media.
APS parents received several communications about the threat. The first email stated: “A safety and/or security matter has occurred at Midtown High School, and the school is on interior lockdown. The situation is being addressed, there is no active threat, and additional information will be forthcoming from the school shortly. Please DO NOT come to the school at this time.”
Kindezi School in Old Fourth Ward was also put on an interior lockdown. All three schools were back to standard operating procedure by 1:30 p.m.
Collin Kelley contributed to this report.