Franklinton High School Ends Lockdown After Shooter Report

Authorities lifted concerns over a reported active shooter at Franklinton High School in Franklin County, North Carolina, after an investigation found no evidence of a shooting. The incident prompted a school lockdown at 10:23 a.m. Monday, November 2, 2026, with no injuries reported.

Deputies searched the school buildings and found no threats, according to Franklin County Sheriff Kevin White. The school remained under law enforcement supervision while officials worked to ensure students and staff could leave campus safely.

White characterized the incident as a false report in a social media statement.

"False alarm," Franklin County Sheriff Kevin White said.

White emphasized that reports of this nature require an immediate response, regardless of whether they prove credible. He also confirmed that investigators would work to identify whoever made the report.

"False alarms like this are not funny, but unfortunately must be taken seriously. We will investigate the origin of this false report, and the perpetrator will face significant consequences," White said.

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office, Franklinton police and agents from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) responded to the incident. Their investigation focused on establishing the circumstances surrounding the report.

White said law enforcement personnel would remain at the school throughout the day to oversee the safe departure of students. Authorities also requested that members of the public avoid the surrounding area while officers completed their security checks.

Franklin County Schools spokesperson Dawayne McIntosh separately confirmed that students and employees were safe. The school district communicated the update to families through an official letter.

"We want to reassure our families and community that there is no active shooter or immediate threat to students, staff, or the surrounding community," McIntosh said.

Several emergency response vehicles were seen parked along roads surrounding the school as authorities conducted their investigation and secured the campus.