Augusta, GA
‘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.”
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.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.
Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.
Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.
“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.
The festival runs until 10 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center is seeing more families turn to its food pantry this summer as children lose access to school lunches.
Organizations like the Augusta Dream Center see a surge in families who relied on school lunches during the academic year, according to Hallie Kohan, assistant director.
“We see a lot more families that have young kids who are in need that simply don’t have those meals they are normally getting,” Kohan said. “We see an influx of families that come through.”
Demand is up, but the food supply is not keeping pace.
“Right now we are having some food distribution issues so while we are seeing an increase in families, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of food coming through our doors,” Kohan said.
The center is asking the community to host food drives or donate kid-friendly items such as mac and cheese and oatmeal.
Every Sunday the Dream Center opens its doors for a hot meal, serving as many as 120 people.
“Families can come in and get their hot meal. They sit down, it’s dignified, it’s a diner,” Kohan said. “It’s a welcoming experience for kids to come in and not feel like they are in need.”
No paperwork is required to receive help.
“Just because you think someone is in a great situation, in today’s economy you never know,” Kohan said. “It could be your neighbor, mom, or best friend.”
The Augusta Dream Center food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Hot meals are served Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction continues on the James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta, with ceiling tiles now installed inside the park structures.
The tiles feature designs showcasing the Godfather of Soul from different years in his career.
According to the city, the completed park will include an interactive water feature that will “dance” to Brown’s greatest hits. A statue of the music icon will return to a new stage at the park.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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