Fireworks set off cause brief lockdown at T.W. Josey High

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Date: October 09, 2025

A disruption at T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School on Wednesday, Oct. 8, prompted temporary safety measures at two nearby campuses, though officials confirmed all students and staff are safe.

According to a Richmond County School System (RCSS) press release, students set off fireworks inside a Josey High bathroom, creating a loud noise “similar to gunfire.”

As a precaution, school administrators secured the campus and limited classroom transitions while RCSS Police investigated. Murphey Middle School and the Marion E. Barnes Career Center were also briefly affected.

Normal operations have since resumed at all three schools.

RCSS stated in a press release the incident “is being addressed by RCSS Police following our Code of Student Conduct and Discipline.”

“We take these incidents seriously and address them quickly to ensure the well-being of our students and staff and keep them focused on student achievement,” the district said in a statement.

Families were also urged “to have a conversation with their children, monitor their social media activity, and remind them to consider the impact of actions on and off campus,” according to the RCSS press release.

The district also reminded the community that any student, staff, or resident can report concerning behavior by contacting the RCSS Safety Tip Line at (706) 828-1077.

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