McNair Elementary students return to campus after shooting

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy students went back to their classrooms for the first time since a gunman opened fire on the campus earlier this week.

Families started walking up to the school's front doors around 7 a.m. Thursday. DeKalb police cars were visible at the front of the school and a crisis team is ready inside the school for anyone who needs extra support.

Police said Hill brought an AK-47 style assault rifle to McNair Discovery Learning Academy on Tuesday afternoon. No one was injured, but frightened students were rushed from the building as police apprehended suspect Michael Brandon Hill.

On Wednesday, classes were moved to McNair High School as damage was cleaned up. Less than 200 of the school's nearly 900 students attended classes Wednesday.

Parents told Channel 2 Action News on Thursday that they are thinking about the shooting incident, but also concentrating on the bravery of the staff and the extra security.

"It's going to be a little awkward. Still have my worries and concerns, but I feel better knowing everyone took the proper precautions to keep kids safe," parent Tristan Victor said.

In a news conference Wednesday afternoon, police said Hill came to the school with around 500 rounds of ammunition.

"He came there to do one of two things: Do harm to the children or any first responders," DeKalb County Police Chief Cedric Alexander said. "Fortunately this came to an end quietly, without incident."

Investigator said Hill fired one shot inside the school, a single round into the floor of the office. No one was injured.
"He did step out and there was gunfire exchanged outside, one of our officers did return fire," Detective Ray Davis of the DeKalb Police Department said.

Hill was due in court on Wednesday, but his attorney waived the first appearance. Investigators said Hill could be in court on Thursday. He is being held on no bond.

Channel 2 investigative reporter Aaron Diamant obtained court records from Henry County show Michael Hill was arrested and indicted in March of this year for threatening his brother over Facebook, saying he'd "shoot him in the head."

Last month, Hill pleaded guilty to making terroristic threats, a felony, and got three years' probation.

Meanwhile, Hill's older brother, Timothy Hill, said he is still trying to wrap his brain around everything his brother is accused of doing.

"I still don't know what to think of all this. I'm still trying to take it all in, honestly," Timothy Hill said.

Timothy Hill said his brother suffers from mental illness and got into trouble with police as a teenager.

Timothy Hill said his brother was involved in everything from stealing from stores and churches in Henry County to setting fire to their family's home.

WSBTV