Georgia detention center under lockdown after masked gunman fires shots, officials say

David Aaro, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jul 13, 2025

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Several people have been taken into custody Sunday after a masked gunman fired shots toward the recreation yard at a southeast Georgia regional youth detention center, officials said.

The Claxton Regional Youth Detention Center was placed under lockdown as a precaution after the shooting and the GBI has been contacted, according to Department of Juvenile Justice spokesperson Glenn Allen.

“Fortunately, no youth or staff members were injured in this incident,” Allen said in a statement.

The Evans County Sheriff’s Office took “several suspects into custody” but the incident remains under investigation, Allen said. Officials have not identified the suspects or provided a motive.

The gunman was outside the detention center when they opened fire, Allen told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. They were not an inmate, he said.

A GBI spokesperson confirmed the state agency was requested to help with a shooting investigation. The DJJ said it was continuing to notify the families of the youth housed at the center.

“The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice takes this matter very seriously and is working closely with state and local law enforcement to ensure the safety of our staff and youth, as well as to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Allen said.