A former student allegedly brought a knife to McConnell Middle School in Gwinnett County Tuesday morning.
The incident reportedly happened in the early morning hours before school started, and only a few people were in the building at the time.
“As we begin a new school year, I want to take a moment to reaffirm our ongoing commitment to making McConnell Middle a safe and welcoming place for all students to learn and grow,” McConnell Middle School Principal Derico White said in a statement sent to parents.
Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) officials said the former student entered the building through a side door as someone was exiting.
The individual was immediately approached, escorted to the front, and taken into custody by the Gwinnett County Police Department (GCPD) who discovered the individual was carrying a knife.
The former student did not threaten or attempt to harm anyone according to officials.
“While the situation was resolved quickly and without incident, it serves as an important reminder of why we ask all visitors — including family members — to enter through the main entrance and check in at the front office,” White said in a statement. “The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority, and we remain committed to maintaining a secure and supportive learning environment.”
