HART COUNTY, Ga. – A reported bomb threat prompted the evacuation of Hart County Middle School on Tuesday morning, leading to a large, multi-agency law enforcement response and a hours-long search of the campus.

According to authorities, Georgia Information Sharing and Analysis Center notified Hart County 911 at approximately 8:15 a.m. on Jan. 13 of the threat. Officers with the Hartwell Police Department and the Hart County Sheriff’s Office responded immediately. As a precaution, school officials evacuated students and staff.

Assisting agencies on scene included Hart County Emergency Management Agency, Hart County Fire Department, Hartwell Fire Department, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, Georgia State Patrol, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Bomb-detecting K-9 teams from the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, University of Georgia Police Department, and Union County Schools Police Department, along with GBI bomb technicians, conducted a comprehensive search of the entire school. No suspicious devices or items were found.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., school staff were cleared to return to the building.

Sheriff Chris Carroll praised school administrators, teachers, bus drivers, and staff for their response, noting the evacuation was carried out smoothly and in an orderly manner. He also thanked parents for their patience and cooperation during student pickup and expressed appreciation to all responding agencies for their coordinated and professional efforts.

The incident remains under investigation by the Hartwell Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Authorities emphasized that school and community safety remain a top priority.