Cobb middle student critical after shooting self during school

A student is in critical condition after bringing a gun to Lindley Middle School in Mableton on Wednesday and using the weapon to harm themselves, officials said.

The incident prompted a swift response from local law enforcement, with the school placed on lockdown. Authorities later asked parents to pick up their children at Leland Memorial United Methodist Church, located across Veterans Memorial Highway.

The Cobb County School District released a statement confirming that the student used a firearm for self-harm, which led to the school’s “code red” lockdown. “School administrators, along with a Cobb County School District police officer, responded immediately and secured the weapon,” the district said.

Once police confirmed there was no further threat to students, the lockdown was lifted. Officials have not disclosed the student’s identity, citing the ongoing investigation, and offered counseling services for students and staff affected by the incident. The school, which enrolls 905 students, is located at 50 Veterans Memorial Highway.

This tragedy follows a devastating school shooting in Barrow County in September, when a student at Apalachee High School opened fire, killing two teachers and two classmates. The 14-year-old in that case has been charged with multiple counts of murder, while his father faces charges for allegedly providing his son with the weapon.

A week ago, another student was arrested for bringing a weapon to Apalachee High.

Following that shooting, Barrow County’s Board of Education voted to install metal detectors at the district’s three high schools in response to growing concerns about safety.