Four Students Injured in Shooting at Benjamin E. Mays High School in Atlanta
In a shocking incident that unfolded on Wednesday, four students were injured in a shooting at Benjamin E. Mays High School in southwest Atlanta. The incident occurred just after students were dismissed for the day when a fight broke out, escalating into gunshots being fired. The injured students, three 17-year-olds and one 18-year-old, all male, were rushed to a nearby hospital and are expected to survive. Fortunately, no other students, faculty, or staff were harmed.
During a joint press conference held late Wednesday evening, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, accompanied by representatives from both the Atlanta Public Schools Police Department and the city of Atlanta Police Department, revealed that a police officer with Atlanta Public Schools was present at the scene when the shots were fired. The officer immediately called for additional support, leading to a swift response from officers from both APS and APD, as well as firefighters and medics.
Meanwhile, investigators began searching for a possible vehicle seen in the parking lot at the time of the shooting. Thanks to the information provided by witnesses, officers were able to stop a car about five miles away from the school. Inside the vehicle were a 35-year-old mother, a 17-year-old girl, and another male. All three individuals were taken to Atlanta Police headquarters for questioning and are cooperating with investigators.
Back on campus, officers diligently interviewed witnesses to gather more information about the incident. It was a challenging task, as they had to question approximately 100 students who were present during the shooting. Several hours later, around two dozen students remained in the school cafeteria awaiting their turn to be interviewed by the police. In an effort to provide comfort and sustenance to these students, officials arranged for food to be brought in while they awaited their parents.
Outside, forensic investigators meticulously collected evidence in the campus parking lot while aerial footage captured by SKYFOX 5 revealed markers typically used to indicate spent bullet shell casings. Additionally, investigators reviewed the high school’s security footage to establish a timeline of events. As of now, no charges have been filed, and the names of those involved have not been released.
The shooting at Benjamin E. Mays High School took place on a somber anniversary—the sixth anniversary of the Parkland school shooting in Florida, where 17 people lost their lives and another 17 were injured. Mayor Andre Dickens, who graduated from Mays High School, expressed his concern over the incident and his commitment to ending youth violence. He emphasized the need for stricter gun control measures, stating, “Incidents like today, where young folks can have access to a gun, this is concerning and dangerous.”
Despite the distressing event, Mayor Dickens reassured the community that the safety and security of students and staff remain a top priority. He pledged to increase security measures at the school, making them more visible to ensure students feel safe when entering the premises. The mayor also urged parents to take advantage of the resources provided by Atlanta’s Year of the Youth program, which offers tips, free programs, and more to keep children out of trouble.
As classes are scheduled to resume on Thursday, the school district aims to maintain a sense of normalcy while continuing to support the affected students and their families. While this incident has undoubtedly left a mark on Benjamin E. Mays High School, Mayor Dickens is determined to prevent it from becoming a lasting blemish. He vowed to protect the school’s reputation and ensure that the dreams and aspirations of its students remain unaffected by this unfortunate event.
In conclusion, the shooting at Benjamin E. Mays High School in Atlanta has sparked concerns about youth violence and access to firearms. Despite the unsettling incident occurring on the anniversary of another tragic school shooting, officials are working diligently to provide support to the affected students and enhance security measures to safeguard the school community. The incident serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address gun violence and prioritize the safety and well-being of students nationwide.