UPDATE: 2 students hospitalized after shooting on Warner Robins High School campus
A controlled student dismissal is now underway. A news conference is scheduled for 6 p.m.
UPDATE (4:49 p.m.): Sheriff Matt Moulton says only one student was injured by gunfire.
“Initial reports indicated that there were two victims,” he wrote. “However, there was one student injured by gunfire. That student was transported to a local hospital for treatment.”
In an earlier update, the sheriff wrote that two people had been hospitalized but did not mention their injuries. The school district confirmed earlier Wednesday that one student had been shot.
We’ll seek clarification on the number of total victims and injuries in the news conference scheduled for 6 p.m.
UPDATE (4:46 p.m.): Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick has issued a statement after Wednesday’s shooting at Warner Robins High School.
“We are saddened to hear about the incident taking place at one of our schools here in Houston County,” she wrote on social media.” This type of incident impacts our students, faculty, and parents, but also our entire community. We appreciate all of our public safety officers, police and fire, for their rapid response in protection of our children. We shall overcome together.”
UPDATE (4:18 p.m.): Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp thanked first responders and law enforcement who “immediately responded to the situation at Warner Robins High School.”
In a social media post, the governor said their action “quickly brought the situation under control and kept students, faculty and staff safe.”
“As we wait for more details to emerge, we’re thankful for all those who keep our classrooms safe,” he wrote.
UPDATE: (4:12 p.m.): Houston County Sheriff Matt Moulton says a news conference will be held at 6 p.m. 41NBC will be there to provide updates.
UPDATE (4:05 p.m.): Warner Robins High School has now started a controlled dismissal, according to an update from the school district.
“To ensure students are released in a safe and orderly manner, we are dismissing students in phases,” the update said.
Buses are being loaded first, followed by car riders and then student drivers and walkers.
“Please be aware that dismissal will take longer than normal, and we appreciate your patience as we work to safely release all students.”
Law enforcement remains on campus.
A controlled dismissal is underway at Warner Robins High School. (Photo: Austin Slocumb/41NBC)
UPDATE (3:40 p.m.): The Houston County Sheriff’s Office says two students have been taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries and that a suspect is in custody. The school is secure, according to an update on social media.
The sheriff’s office did not say a second student had been shot. We’re awaiting confirmation on the cause of the second student’s injuries.
“This is still an active investigation,” an updated Facebook post said. “No further information is available.”
ORIGINAL STORY (3 p.m.):
WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Law enforcement is asking people to avoid Warner Robins High School after a shooting was reported on campus Wednesday afternoon.
Houston County Sheriff Matt Moulton said in a Facebook post that there is a significant law enforcement presence at the school on South Davis Drive.
The post asked drivers to use alternate routes so first responders can safely work in the area.
In a message sent to parents, school officials said Warner Robins High School was placed under a Code Red and students and staff were secured in their classrooms while law enforcement responded.
School officials later confirmed a student was shot and one injury was reported. All other students remained in their classrooms.
Officials said dismissal would begin under a controlled release. Parents and visitors were asked not to come to the school to allow law enforcement and school personnel to respond without interruption.
No additional information has been released about the injured student, the circumstances surrounding the shooting or whether anyone is in custody.
Moulton said the sheriff’s office will release updates as more information becomes available.
This is a developing story. Check back with 41NBC for updates.
