Atlanta, GA — A student at Booker T. Washington High School was arrested Thursday morning after the school’s Evolv weapons detection system identified a gun inside the student’s backpack, according to Atlanta Public Schools (APS).
Officials said the firearm was confiscated immediately and that the student now faces both criminal charges and school disciplinary action.
Incident Overview
In a message to parents and staff, APS said the weapon was detected as students were arriving on campus. The school’s Evolv system, which screens students as they enter the building, flagged an object in the student’s bag, prompting an immediate search.
“The firearm was quickly recovered by a school police resource officer,” the district said. “The student was taken into custody without incident and is no longer on campus.”
The discovery occurred before classes began, and officials emphasized that no students or staff were ever in danger.
According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the principal and district security staff thanked police and school employees for following safety procedures promptly.
“Their quick response ensured the safety of everyone in the building,” the principal said in a statement.
Classes continued as scheduled following the incident.
What Authorities Haven’t Revealed
Police have not released the student’s name, age, or grade level, and it remains unclear what type of firearm was recovered or whether it was loaded. Officials confirmed that the case remains under investigation, and additional details may be released following the student’s court hearing.
Evolv Weapons Detection System Explained
The Evolv weapons detection system is a next-generation AI-driven technology used to screen for concealed weapons in real time. Instead of traditional metal detectors, it uses sensors and machine-learning software to detect firearms or other dangerous items without requiring students to remove bags or metal objects.
Atlanta Public Schools implemented the system to improve security while maintaining efficient morning entry times.
“Evolv helps schools identify weapons quickly without disrupting the start of the school day,” APS said in a previous safety report.
The Evolv Technology company, based in Massachusetts, also provides similar systems to airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues across the United States.
Growing Use Across Metro Atlanta
Evolv systems have now been adopted by several large school districts across metro Atlanta.
- DeKalb County School District uses Evolv scanners at all middle and high schools, as well as major sports facilities.
- Gwinnett County Public Schools approved a $20 million expansion plan to deploy the system across more campuses in 2024.
- Fulton and Cobb County schools have conducted pilot programs to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing on-campus weapon incidents.
District leaders say the system has helped reduce wait times during morning entry while allowing security teams to focus on flagged threats rather than manual checks.
Community Response and Next Steps
Parents were urged to speak with their children about responsible behavior and the serious legal consequences of bringing weapons or other prohibited items to school.
“We ask parents to remind students that carrying any weapon on school grounds can change their lives in an instant,” APS said.
The arrested student remains in custody as authorities determine potential charges under Georgia’s school safety laws.
What are your thoughts on AI-driven school safety systems like Evolv? Do you think they make campuses safer? Share your opinions in the comments below.
