Photo Courtesy of Fox5
In America’s latest school shooting, a 14-year-old student has been shot at Price Middle School in Atlanta, Georgia.
Here’s what we know so far…
1. The Victim Was Shot in the Neck
The local NBC station reports that a student was shot in the back of the neck. The Atlanta Fire Department confirms that the shooting victim is a 14-year-old student. An Atlanta School Official said the victim is alert and awake at the hospital.
2. The Victim May be a Boy or a Girl
Fox News is reporting the student is a girl, but local media are reporting the victim is a boy.
3. A Teacher Was also Injured but Not Shot
A report from local NBC says that a teacher was trampled during a panic to escape the shooting. The teacher is reported to be doing okay. Atlanta Fire Capt. Marian McDaniel said that the teacher’s injuries were minor.
4. At Least One Person is in Police Custody
Fox News showed pictures of police arresting and transporting a male, later revealed to be a student. Early reports speculating that there were two people in custody.
5. The School is Located in Southwest Atlanta
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Both Price Middle School and Carver High School are located in the Lakewood Heights neighborhood southeast of downtown Atlanta. Early reports erroneously reported Carver High as the scene of the shooting.
6. The School Was on Lockdown
Parents were unable to pick up their children early after the shooting was reported. School officials said that students will would be dismissed at the regular time of 3:45 p.m. Many students contacted their parents through text messages. Another elementary school in the area, Slator, was also on lockdown.
7. Students Were Finally Sent Home at 4:45
Thanks for your patience. Students are continuing to be dismissed from Price MS. Walkers/Carpoolers being taken to Emmanuel Baptist.
#aps — ATL Public Schools (@apsupdate) January 31, 2013
An hour after normal dismissal time, buses of children finally left the school. Parents were reportedly furious over the delay and lack of organization. The buses drove less than a minute to the nearby Emmanuel Baptist Church, where impatient parents awaited their children.
8. There are Reports of an Altercation Prior to the Shooting
We are hearing this incident was a continuation from a previous fight that had occurred between students #PriceShooting
— 11Alive News (@11AliveNews) January 31, 2013
9. The School is Built on a Former Housing Project
Price Middle School was built, along with Carver High School, on the site of a former housing project.
10. Parents had Already Raised Concerns About Safety in the School
Parents spoke to the local NBC station and said the school is notorious for its lack of structure. One parent said drugs and sex were commonplace in the school.