The community of Southwest DeKalb, Georgia, endured a tense and unsettling morning on Friday, August 29, 2025, after authorities confirmed that a student at Southwest DeKalb High School was found in possession of a firearm on campus. The discovery immediately triggered a strong law enforcement response and precautionary safety measures, though officials later clarified that the incident was not classified as an active shooter event.
According to officials, the situation unfolded shortly after the school day began, prompting administrators to notify police and initiate lockdown protocols. Local reporter Hood Anchor Ye provided live coverage approximately 30 minutes after the initial call, showing a heavy police presence outside the campus as worried parents and community members gathered nearby.
DeKalb County Police, working alongside school resource officers, quickly apprehended the student without incident. Authorities confirmed that no shots were fired and no injuries occurred. As a precaution, parts of the school were restricted, and students were moved to secure locations while officers conducted a sweep of the building.
The district’s emergency communication system was activated to inform parents of the situation. Many families rushed to the school, anxiously awaiting updates. On social media, reactions reflected a mixture of fear and gratitude, with several parents expressing relief that the incident was resolved quickly and without bloodshed.
Investigators are now working to determine how the firearm was brought onto campus and whether the student intended to use it. Law enforcement has not released the student’s identity due to their age but confirmed that charges are being considered.
In a statement, Southwest DeKalb High School officials reassured families of their ongoing commitment to safety. “The well-being of our students and staff is always our top priority,” a spokesperson said. “We are cooperating fully with law enforcement to ensure a complete investigation and to strengthen our security measures.”
Counselors will be made available to students and staff to address anxiety stemming from the incident, and school leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining vigilance and reporting potential threats before they escalate.
Community leaders have since reiterated calls for stronger preventive measures in schools, including mental health support, better monitoring of potential risks, and continued collaboration between families, educators, and law enforcement.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the firearm or the circumstances leading up to the incident to contact the DeKalb County Police Department. Normal school operations are expected to resume once the security assessment has been completed.