Overview:
Two Wheeler High School students were arrested Thursday after a firearm was found on campus, with Principal Sara Fetterman warning students that anyone who brings a weapon to school "will be caught" and face severe consequences, in an incident that follows a similar arrest weeks earlier at Campbell Middle School.
MARIETTA, Ga. — Two Wheeler High School students are facing criminal charges after school officials say a firearm was brought onto the campus Thursday, according to the Cobb County School District and Principal Sara Fetterman.
Fetterman notified the school community in a message sent Friday morning, saying an investigation by Wheeler administrators and the Cobb County School District Police Department led to the arrests Thursday afternoon.
“Everyone is safe,” Fetterman wrote, adding that law enforcement confirmed the two students are in custody and facing criminal charges. She said she could not release further details, citing the ongoing investigation and student privacy protections. Authorities have not released the students’ names or specified the exact charges they face.
In the same message, Fetterman said the Wheeler community is also mourning the death of another student, though she did not elaborate on the circumstances.
A Firm Warning From the Principal
Addressing the firearm incident directly, Fetterman said the school is equipped to catch students who violate weapons policies.
“I cannot say this forcefully enough: We have many tools and officers at Wheeler, including gunpowder-detecting dogs,” she wrote. “If a student brings a weapon to our campus, they will be caught. They will also face the harshest possible penalties that the law allows.”
She warned students of the lasting consequences of such actions. “A mistake like this could ruin the rest of your life. Don’t do it,” she wrote, closing her message by pledging that “our leadership team will continue to keep doing everything we can to make sure Wheeler is a safe place for everyone.”
District Response
The Cobb County School District confirmed the incident was discovered at the Marietta-area high school and resulted in two student arrests. The district emphasized that campus safety remains a top priority and urged students, parents and staff to report any concerns involving weapons or other potential threats through the district’s safety tip line.
Part of a Broader Pattern
Thursday’s arrests come just weeks after another Cobb County student was taken into custody for reportedly bringing a firearm to Campbell Middle School, raising renewed concern among parents and district officials about weapons on school campuses.
Wheeler High School has drawn additional attention this year after hosting a visit from President Donald Trump in July.
Investigation Ongoing
The investigation into Thursday’s incident remains active. Additional information — including how the firearm was discovered and the specific charges against the two students, could be released as the case develops. This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available.