Patrols around Atlanta Public Schools are being increased this afternoon following the deadly mass shooting at a high school near Winder, GA.
Mayor Andre Dickens said in a statement that out of an abundance of caution, the Atlanta Police Department and APS Police Department would bolster patrols for the rest of the day.
Here is the full text of Dickens’ statement:
“My prayers are with the high school students, staff and families affected by the senseless act of violence in Winder, Georgia. I have been in contact with Chief Schierbaum, and the Atlanta Police Department has been working with the Atlanta Public Schools Police Department to bolster patrols around our schools for the rest of the day out of an abundance of caution. APD has also been on standby in case law enforcement agencies need assistance with this incident. May God comfort the victims and their loved ones in the difficult days ahead.”
DeKalb County Schools also went into a heightened state of alert following the shooting.
“Considering the tragic events at Apalachee High School, DCSD Police Chief Tracey Whaley has ordered his command staff and officers to be in a heightened state of alert,” the statement from DCS said. “This precautionary measure is not related to any known threats in our area.”
According to CNN, the 14-year-old gunman is in custody following the shooting at Apalachee High School near Winder, which is about 42 miles away from Atlanta near Athens. Authorities said four people were killed and nine injured.
At least one victim was airlifted to the trauma center at Grady Hospital in Atlanta.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
