Atlanta, GA, September 15, 2025
News Summary
A series of bomb threats have triggered multiple lockdowns and evacuations across schools in the Atlanta area. Booker T. Washington High School and East Jackson High School were among those affected, with law enforcement conducting thorough investigations. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deployed bomb detection dogs, ultimately assuring the safety of students. Additionally, incidents at High Point Elementary and Mercer University highlighted a concerning trend of increasing threats, prompting authorities to respond urgently to protect students and staff in educational institutions.
Atlanta, GA – A series of bomb threats have resulted in multiple school lockdowns and evacuations across the Atlanta-area, causing alarm among students, parents, and law enforcement. Notably, Booker T. Washington High School was placed under lockdown after a bomb threat was received; however, Atlanta Public Schools later confirmed that no suspicious or harmful items were found on the premises.
On Tuesday afternoon, the situation escalated further when a written bomb threat was reported at East Jackson High School. The threat prompted authorities to evacuate students, who were dismissed from the school’s stadium to ensure their safety. The school notified families about the written threat and was in collaboration with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office to conduct a thorough investigation.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded by deploying seven bomb detection dogs to search the school. The search concluded successfully, with all students safely off-campus by 3:30 p.m. Authorities confirmed that the high school was cleared around 4:15 p.m., and a thorough investigation is now underway to identify the individual responsible for the threat.
This spike in threats is not isolated to East Jackson High School. On August 28, High Point Elementary School also had to evacuate students following an emailed bomb threat. Students from High Point were relocated to Ridgeview Charter Middle School for their safety while the premises were swept and cleared by law enforcement. Following the incident, High Point Elementary resumed normal operations the next day.
Moreover, a bomb threat was reported at Hughes Spalding hospital in downtown Atlanta, but no dangerous items were discovered. In another incident, Mercer University entered a shelter-in-place status due to a threatening call made to the Bibb County 911 center; however, the campus was also cleared without any findings of concern.
The situation extends to Central Georgia Technical College, where a lockdown occurred on August 27 due to a false report of an active shooter. Law enforcement agencies, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the FBI, are investigating a series of online threats that have been affecting various educational institutions across Georgia. The FBI has noted an increase in “swatting” events nationwide, emphasizing the serious repercussions associated with such hoaxes and encouraging parents to discuss the dangers of these threats with their children.
Law enforcement agencies are urging communities to treat bomb threats seriously and to remain vigilant as investigations into these incidents continue to unfold. The objective is to ensure the safety of students and staff at all educational institutions impacted by these disruptions.
Key Details of Recent Incidents
- Booker T. Washington High School: Lockdown due to bomb threat, no harmful items found.
- East Jackson High School: Evacuated after a written bomb threat deemed a hoax; investigation ongoing.
- High Point Elementary: Evacuated after an emailed bomb threat; resumed normal operations the following day.
- Incidents affecting Hughes Spalding hospital and Mercer University resulted in safety protocols but no threats found.
- Investigations are led by GBI and FBI on a series of related threats across Georgia.
FAQ
What prompted the lockdowns and evacuations in Atlanta schools?
A series of bomb threats were reported at various schools, prompting authorities to take immediate action to ensure student safety, which included lockdowns and evacuations.
What actions were taken by law enforcement following the threats?
Law enforcement deployed bomb detection units, conducted thorough searches of affected schools, and launched investigations to identify those responsible for the threats.
Are these bomb threats part of a larger trend?
Yes, authorities, including the FBI, have noted an uptick in “swatting” incidents nationwide, which contributes to a growing concern over similar threats in educational institutions.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Schools Involved | Booker T. Washington High School, East Jackson High School, High Point Elementary School |
| Law Enforcement Response | Bomb detection dogs deployed, schools searched, investigations initiated |
| Nature of Threats | Bomb threats and swatting incidents |
| Safety Measures | Lockdowns, evacuations, shelter-in-place actions |
| Ongoing Investigations | Conducted by GBI, FBI, local law enforcement agencies |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Swatting Incidents Cause Alarm at Georgia Universities
Hoax Active Shooter Reports Shake Georgia Colleges
Active Shooter Report at Clark Atlanta University Declared a Hoax
Clark Atlanta University Investigates False Active Shooter Reports
False Active Shooter Reports at Clark Atlanta University
FBI Investigates Surge of Hoax Emergency Calls in Georgia
Bomb Threat Prompts Evacuation at High Point Elementary School
Bomb Threat Prompts Evacuation at High Point Elementary
Bomb Threat Investigation at Hughes Spalding Hospital
Bomb Threat Leads to Evacuation at Carver Early College
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Rough Draft Atlanta
- WTOC
- 11Alive
- Wikipedia: Bomb Threat
- Google Search: High School Bomb Threats Atlanta
- Google Scholar: Bomb Threats School Response
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bomb Threat
- Google News: Bomb Threats Atlanta Schools
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
