Mableton, Georgia – A heartbreaking incident unfolded on Wednesday afternoon at Lindley Middle School, located on Veterans Memorial Highway. A student tragically shot herself on campus, leaving the school and community shaken.
The peaceful afternoon quickly turned chaotic when the Cobb County Police and School Police responded to a report of a shooting at the middle school. To ensure everyone’s safety, the campus was immediately placed on lockdown. Officer S.A. Barner from the Cobb County Police Department confirmed that one student was critically injured in the incident.
The student, whose name hasn’t been shared yet, was quickly airlifted to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for treatment. The school district later explained that the student had used a firearm to harm herself. A school administrator and a district police officer acted quickly, securing the weapon and ensuring the safety of others on campus.
Many questions remain unanswered. How did the student get the firearm? Was it brought from home, and how did she manage to bring it into the school? Sgt. McCraw from the Cobb County Police admitted that it’s too early to have all the details, stating, “We don’t yet know where the weapon was, how she got it, or how it ended up on campus.” He also mentioned that there are currently no weapon detection systems in place at middle schools in the area.
The local community is reeling from the incident. Pastor Roy Moore from Leland/Qwest United Methodist Church, located just across the street, shared his sorrow. “It’s heartbreaking. I can’t even imagine what the parents are going through right now—her parents and others worrying about their own kids. All I can offer is peace, comfort, and prayers,” he said.
Mableton Mayor Michael Owens also shared a statement, assuring the community of the city’s commitment to student safety while extending prayers and support to the affected family.
Inside the school, students experienced terrifying moments. Alison, an eighth grader, recalled the tense situation. “At first, we thought it was a fire drill when the alarm went off. But then we realized it was something much worse,” she said. Alison and her classmates huddled together in the locker room, unsure of what was happening. “I kept thinking, will I ever see my family again?” she shared.
Once authorities confirmed there was no ongoing threat, the lockdown was lifted. Parents were directed to Leland United Methodist Church to reunite with their children. Counseling services have been made available to help students and staff cope with this traumatic event.
Officer Barner expressed gratitude to the community for their patience and cooperation. “We’re working closely with the Cobb County School Police and will share updates as we learn more. Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time,” he said.
The community of Mableton is now coming together to support each other, offering prayers, comfort, and strength to heal from this tragic event.
