Georgia officer accidentally shoots himself inside school while investigating threat

The following was taken from a press release distributed by the Trion City School District on September 11, 2024:

CHATTOOGA COUNTY, Ga. – On Saturday, September 7th, Trion City School officials were notified that a threat had been made towards Trion High School by a student from another school. A picture was posted on social media of a person holding a rifle with the caption “Who next” and was attached to the picture. A GPS pin had been dropped at the location of Trion High School that was included in the social media post. Law enforcement officials were contacted and the juvenile was arrested and remains detained. On Monday morning, September 9th, Trion City Schools added law enforcement officials to the campus and operated under a “soft lockdown” as a precautionary measure. There was no immediate threat, but safety protocols were followed.

On Tuesday night, September 10th, Trion City Schools received another social media threat by a Trion Middle School student. The juvenile was arrested Tuesday night and has been detained. Because of the arrest, there was no immediate threat or danger. On Wednesday morning, September 11th, additional law enforcement officials were on campus as a precautionary measure.

On Wednesday morning, September 11th at approximately 9 am., law enforcement and school officials received information that someone may have a gun at Trion High School. A picture of someone holding a rifle (same picture that was used with the threat on Saturday), was sent by a student from another school system to a Trion High School student. Trion City Schools immediately went to a “hard lockdown” while the threat was being investigated. All lockers, vehicles, bookbags, etc. were searched by law enforcement and school officials. No weapon was discovered during the search and investigation.

During the “hard lockdown”, law enforcement officials were securing each hallway in the elementary, middle, and high school. A law enforcement officer accidentally discharged his weapon, and shot himself in the foot, while scanning the 2nd and 3rd grade hallway. The officer was transported to receive medical attention. All students and teachers were in their classrooms, and were not in danger. The gunshot was heard by students and staff on the 2nd and 3rd grade hallway.

School safety is the number one priority at Trion City Schools. We will continue to take all threats seriously, and we will follow our school safety protocols to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

Because of the ongoing investigation concerning the accidental discharge of a weapon by a law enforcement officer at Trion Elementary School, there will be no school for students (Pre-K – 12) tomorrow, September 12th, 2024. Teachers should report to work by 9am. Thank you.

Update: All Southend schools (all schools south of Saddle Ridge in Walker County) are currently under a soft lockdown. This is a precautionary measure in response to the situation at Trion City Schools. The schools are in close communication with local law enforcement authorities, and their primary concern is the safety of the students and staff.

Update: According to Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader Trion Schools are on full lockdown after a threat was sent via text message to a student at Trion. Sheriff Schrader says that the threat was about a gun being on the premises and was sent from out of county. The sheriff says the student from outside the county that sent the text has been identified and is currently being interviewed by that school’s SRO. Sheriff Schrader said as a precautionary measure, the school will remain on full lockdown for an extended period of time. Trion School Supt. Dr. Phil Williams confirmed this morning Trion City Schools was on hard lockdown after the threat was sent. Law enforcement agencies including Trion Police Department, Walker County Sheriff’s Office, Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Public Safety, etc. is descended on the school. The Sheriff asks parents and guardians to remain calm and await further updates from school and law enforcement officials. The safety of students and staff remains the top priority as authorities continue their investigation. A law enforcement officer who was helping secure the school during the hard lockdown accidentally discharged his weapon and shot himself in the foot. The injured officer was taken by EMS to a local hospital for treatment.