26/09/2025
GBI investigates officer-involved shooting at Valdosta school
On Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, at 2:30 p.m., a Valdosta Police Officer was in the 1000 block of Lamar Street, when she heard gunshots. As the officer drove towards the gunshots, she observed a male with a firearm entering the campus of S.L. Mason Elementary School. The school was immediately placed on lockdown.
As the armed male was approaching the front of the school, officers engaged the male, resulting in Valdosta Police Officers discharging their fi****ms. Officers immediately attempted life-saving measures, but the male subject was pronounced deceased at the scene.
During this incident, no students or faculty were harmed.
The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure in these situations. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested and responded to investigate the incident, and the officers’ names are not being released.
“At this time, we want to make it clear that our priority is the safety of our community, the school, the wellbeing of all individuals involved, and to maintain transparency throughout this process," said Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan. "We understand that events like this raise many questions and emotions within the community. While we cannot release all details immediately, we are committed to providing timely and accurate information as it becomes available without compromising the integrity of the investigation. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved.”
If anyone has any further information, or inquires in regard to this incident, please contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Thomasville Office at 229-225-4090.
