Zebulon Middle sending students home early after Code Red lockdowns at 2 Wake schools

Code Red lockdowns were lifted Friday morning at two Wake County middle schools, but students at one school will be sent home early.

Both East Millbrook MIddle School in Raleigh and Zebulon Middle were initially placed on a Code Red lockdown due to what each school initially described as a “security concern.” East Millbrook is continuing with a “regular day of teaching and learning,” but Zebulon Middle said it will begin dismissing students by 12:15 p.m.

“First know that all students are safe,” Zebulon Middle said in an update at 11:20 a.m. to parents. “Beginning at 12:15 p.m. or possibly sooner, we will begin the dismissal process. Parents who are picking up their students should use the car pool lane as usual. Only approved pick-up designees can pick up children. Buses will run.”

Extra police are on both campuses although school and authorities say neither threat appears to have been credible.

Before 8:30 a.m., Zebulon Middle went into a Code Red lockdown that Zebulon Police said in a Facebook post is due to a social media threat. East Millbrook Middle went into a Code Red lockdown at 9:27 a.m. “due to a rumor of a threat.”

Under a Code Red, no one is allowed to enter or exit the building. Both schools said all students are safe and asked parents to not come to the campuses.

The Code Red was lifted at 10:55 a.m. at East Millbrook and by 11;30 a.m. at Zebulon MIddle.

No active shooter

Zebulon Police have provided regular online updates, telling parents that they are are conducting a methodical search of the school to ensure the safety of the children.

“Officers continue to make there way through the school, room by room,” Zebulon Police posted. “There was never an active shooter at the school. There are no injuries.”

Shortly before 10:30 a.m., Zebulon Police posted that the Wake County school system “is working on a dismissal plan and we will help share it when it is ironed out.”

A social media threat also led to Zebulon Middle being placed on a Code Red lockdown on Wednesday. The threats have led to increased police presence on campus this week.

Also on Wednesday, Rolesville High School was placed on a Code Red lockdown and students were dismissed early after a student was founded with a loaded gun.