Savannah Classical Academy Lockdown Lifted After Unsubstantiated Gun Threat
Savannah, Georgia – A wave of relief washed over Savannah Classical Academy (SCA) Friday afternoon as a lockdown, prompted by an unsubstantiated report of a student with a gun, was lifted. The incident, which began around 11:40 a.m. with a call to the Savannah Police Department (SPD), triggered a swift and comprehensive response from multiple law enforcement agencies. SPD officers, along with personnel from the Georgia State Patrol, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Board of Education Police Department, converged on the school, securing the perimeter and initiating a thorough search of the premises. The school’s lockdown procedures were immediately implemented, confining students and staff to classrooms while officers meticulously swept the building, including locker rooms, restrooms, and classrooms.
Parents, understandably anxious, rushed to the school, eager for news and reassurance. The scene outside was tense, with numerous police officers, some in tactical gear and armed with long guns, surrounding the school. Barry Lollis, CEO of SCA, communicated with parents via a message assuring them that everyone was safe and that the police presence was precautionary. He later praised the calm and disciplined response of the students and staff, attributing the smooth return to normal operations to their adherence to established protocols. After an extensive search yielding no weapon, the all-clear was given just after 1 p.m., and the lockdown was lifted.
The incident at SCA is not an isolated event; it marks a disturbing trend of unsubstantiated threats targeting schools in the Savannah area and across Georgia. Just weeks prior, on September 10th, both Myers Middle School and Windsor Forest High School endured lockdowns following non-credible threats. Similar incidents have been reported in several other counties, including Liberty, Toombs, Evans, Jeff Davis, and Appling, all occurring in the wake of the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School on September 4th. This series of incidents highlights the pervasive anxiety surrounding school safety and the disruptive impact of these threats, even when they prove to be unfounded.
The incident at SCA also raises concerns about the phenomenon of "swatting," where false reports are made to emergency services, prompting a large-scale police response. This week, the community of Rome, Georgia, mourned the death of Tammie Pickelsimer, who tragically died in a car accident involving a bomb squad vehicle responding to a swatting call targeting Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene’s home. The incident underscores the potential for devastating consequences resulting from these malicious acts. In response to the growing threat of swatting, a new law in Georgia, effective July 1st, now classifies a first swatting offense as a high and aggravated misdemeanor, with subsequent offenses considered felonies. This legislation aims to hold perpetrators accountable for the financial and emotional costs associated with these disruptive and potentially dangerous incidents.
The financial burden on taxpayers resulting from these false alarms is substantial. According to TDR Technology Solutions, a threat prevention technology company, Georgia schools faced 84 threats in the 2023-2024 school year, costing taxpayers an estimated $4.8 million. The new swatting law mandates restitution from convicted individuals to cover the expenses incurred in responding to these false threats. Senator Derek Mallow, who sponsored the bill, emphasized the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, stating, "There are some serious individuals in this world that seek to instill fear in our children and our educators, and those who seek to do so, it is my belief that they should be held accountable because a school shooting is nothing to joke about.” This legislation underscores the commitment to deterring such behavior and protecting the resources allocated to ensuring the safety of schools.
The investigation into the source of the call that prompted the lockdown at SCA is ongoing. School officials confirmed that the call did not originate from within the school. WTOC Investigates has submitted an Open Records Request to the Savannah Board of Education Police Department to ascertain the number of similar incidents reported this school year. As authorities continue their investigation, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the students and staff at SCA and across the region. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance, preparedness, and the need for effective measures to combat the rising tide of false threats targeting educational institutions.