Atlanta’s Charles R. Drew Charter School was placed on lockdown Tuesday afternoon, school officials confirmed.

Head of School Peter McKnight said they “received a communication that prompted the school to administer its safety protocols.”

It’s unclear what that threat was or whether it mentioned the school’s elementary, junior or senior academies.

During the lockdown, school and local police investigated the threat, McKnight said. Operations returned to normal about 3 p.m.

“All precautions were taken to ensure the safety of our students and staff,” he said. “At no time were students and staff considered to be in imminent danger.”

The lockdown was lifted mid-afternoon and security was increased during afternoon dismissal, school officials said.

In other news: 

The person inside the apartments told police that someone shot multiple times inside of his unit, and then he heard people outside leave.

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Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez