Chestatee High School Lockdown Lifted After Threat Investigation

Chestatee High School (CHS) on Sardis Road in Gainesville, GA, was placed on an interior lockdown Monday afternoon, April 21, 2025, following a telephone threat. Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies searched the school premises and found no danger.  

The school received the threatening call just after 2 p.m., prompting a large law enforcement response. Dozens of uniformed personnel from the HCSO, including four K9 Unit teams, responded to assess the threat and clear the school buildings. Specialized teams cleared the parking lot and the school’s exterior perimeter, while other HCSO personnel systematically cleared hallways and bathrooms inside the main building. Once these areas were deemed safe, HCSO teams began the process of removing students from the buildings.  

The thorough search by law enforcement found nothing suspicious.

According to the initial investigation by the HCSO Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB), an unidentified male caller threatened the lives and safety of CHS students and staff. Investigators are currently working to identify the caller and trace the origin of the phone call.

Authorities reported full cooperation from everyone at the school, and no injuries occurred during the operation.