‘Claims of shots fired’ bring police, parents to Laney High

Published

2 years ago

February 5, 2024

‘Claims of shots fired’ bring police, parents to Laney High

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – There was a large police presence Monday morning at Lucy C. Laney High School.

According to an alert from nearby Augusta University, the response was prompted by “claims of shots fired.”

About a dozen patrol cars with blue lights flashing, including about eight cars from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, were at the school, 1339 Laney Walker Blvd., about 10:54 a.m.

Around 11:15 a.m., it appeared that a young man in handcuffs was being put into the back of a patrol car.

Two officers were guarding the gate.

An officer said just before 11 a.m. there was a “soft lockdown” and the situation had been contained.

They said there were no injuries but they gave no details of what had actually happened.

However, nearby Augusta University issued an alert to the AU community that around 10 a.m., the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office “responded to claims of shots fired.”

The alert continued: “Upon arrival it was determined that there was no active threat to the community and surrounding area.”

An alert was sent from Augusta University.(Contributed)

As rumors flew on social media, an army of parents showed up at the school, with many of them parking across the street/

At 11:15 a.m., officers gave the OK and parents streamed across Laney Walker Boulevard and into the school. Authorities said they would need an ID to pick up their kids.

At least some police cars were starting to leave the scene around 11:05 a.m.

News 12 reached out to the Richmond County School System and Richmond County Sheriff’s Office to learn more about the situation.

Laney High School has not been immune from the weapons and gunfire at schools across the country in recent years.

On Sept. 16, 2022, there was a shooting outside the Laney High School football game against Thomson. The shooting was blamed on visitors from McDuffie County.

In March, a gun was found in a student’s book bag during an administrative search on the campus.

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Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

Published

11 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Local protestors made their voices heard after Israel and the U.S. announced strikes on Iran Saturday, ones that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reports say.

Protesters lined 13th Street in Downtown Augusta and walked across the river to North Augusta to make sure as many people as possible heard them.

50501 CSRA already had a march planned for Saturday, but in light of the strikes on Iran, decided to expand its focus.

Local leaders spoke about their concerns for the strikes, and roughly 60 people showed up to share theirs as well.

One of the event organizers said to make your voice heard your voice heard.

“Just call your people, call your representatives, if you don’t like that Iran was bombed, I don’t either. But call people and let them know, email them. Let it be relentless. Congress did not approve this. They have a say in this,” Zee Cook said.

The strike is being called “Operation Epic Fury,” with Iran responding with multiple missile and drone strikes across the Middle East.

In a social media post, President Trump said the bombing of the country will continue “as long as necessary.”

People across the world began lining the streets as well in support and against the decision.

Leaders across the world reacted to the news, including those in Georgia and South Carolina.

There’s a protest planned in Charleston and other regional cities this week.

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Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

Published

23 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.

Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.

The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.

All areas of the park will be closed.

However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.

The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.

The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.

The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.

“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”

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