On Tuesday evening, a serious incident unfolded at Edwards Middle School when a contract employee allegedly threatened a student, claiming he would bring a gun to the school the following day. The student promptly reported the threat to school administration on Wednesday morning, triggering the activation of the district's safety protocols, which included a soft lockdown of the school.

During the lockdown, students and staff were instructed to remain in their classrooms with doors locked, while those on buses were safely escorted to the gym for supervision. The Rockdale County Sheriff's Office responded swiftly, deploying law enforcement officers to ensure the safety of the school environment. School officials, including the director of the Office of School Safety, communicated with concerned parents gathered at a nearby church, providing updates as the situation developed.

As part of the investigation, law enforcement discovered that another employee at the school was in possession of two knives, leading to that individual's arrest. The contract employee who made the threat was located at a business establishment and was also detained. Following a thorough investigation, the school was cleared for normal operations, and parents were allowed to check out their children under controlled procedures.

The Rockdale County Sheriff's Office later issued a press release confirming the arrests of two individuals for charges related to possession of weapons on school property and making terroristic threats. Amidst the unfolding events, false information circulated on social media, including rumors of an active shooting at the school, which heightened anxiety among parents and students.

In response to the incident, school officials emphasized the importance of maintaining safety protocols and the effectiveness of their existing security measures, including the Open Gate Weapons Detection System, which has been in place for two years. Plans are underway to expand this system to all elementary schools in the district, following recent community support for safety expenditures.

The swift and coordinated response from law enforcement and school safety officials was praised, highlighting the importance of collaboration in ensuring student safety. School administrators acknowledged the need for continuous improvement in crisis management and communication, particularly in light of the recent tragic events at other schools.