Myrtle Beach, August 11, 2025
News Summary
A serious incident at Myrtle Beach Middle School involved a student bringing a gun onto campus, raising safety concerns among parents and the community. A classmate was expelled for not reporting the firearm, prompting discussions on school safety measures. Following the incident, the school district enacted a security overhaul, including a $3 million weapons detection system and enhanced staff training. The case highlights the urgent need for effective safety policies in schools.
Myrtle Beach – A serious incident at Myrtle Beach Middle School unfolded on February 6, 2024, when a student, referred to as “A.M.G.,” allegedly brought a gun and ammunition onto school grounds. Reports indicate that A.M.G. had intentions to attack another student in a restroom near the cafeteria. Fortunately, the weapon was located by a school resource officer, preventing any injuries, but the event raised significant safety concerns among parents and the community.
As a result of the incident, John Doe, a 12-year-old classmate, was expelled for reportedly failing to inform authorities about A.M.G.’s gun. His expulsion is set to last for the remainder of the school year. Doe’s mother filed an appeal against the decision in county court, asserting that her son was unaware of the firearm until A.M.G. revealed it during lunch. The appeal also claimed that John Doe had remained silent out of fear for his safety, believing that A.M.G. posed a threat should he report the gun.
On July 29, 2024, the appeal was dismissed with prejudice, which means it cannot be refiled. John Doe’s attorney argued that the school district failed in its duty to safeguard students, but Horry County Schools maintained that John Doe’s inconsistent statements regarding his knowledge of the gun provided sufficient grounds for the expulsion. Additionally, the district argued that Doe’s behavior constituted a violation of the Student Behavior Code.
The school resource officer was able to intervene before any harm occurred. Still, the incident resulted in John Doe accompanying A.M.G. to various locations within the school, as witnessed in video footage. A.M.G. allegedly brandished the gun in the cafeteria and made threats toward other students during the incident, escalating fears throughout the school community. The school’s actions in response were scrutinized, culminating in a proposal for a safety overhaul.
As a direct consequence of this harrowing incident, discussions regarding school safety intensified within Horry County Schools. District officials enacted significant upgrades to their security protocols, which included acquiring a state-of-the-art weapons detection system valued at $3 million and enhancing training for staff to ensure improved preparedness for potential threats. These measures were implemented following mounting parental pressure for greater safety assurance.
In a related development, David Beaty, the former security coordinator for Horry County Schools, has filed a lawsuit against the district. Beaty asserts that he was wrongfully terminated due to being scapegoated for the incident while he was on vacation. He claims the school board’s actions leading to his dismissal were unjust and unfounded.
The incident has underscored the urgent need for effective policies and systems to ensure student safety in schools, prompting widespread dialogue and action among educational institutions to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Incident Summary
- Incident Date: February 6, 2024
- Student Involved: A.M.G.
- Expelled Student: John Doe, 12 years old
- Legal Actions: Appeal dismissed with prejudice on July 29, 2024
- Key Actions: Security overhaul, $3 million weapons detection system purchase
Background Context
This incident reflects broader concerns regarding student safety in schools across the nation. The expansion of security measures is a proactive response prompted by increasing incidents of violence in educational environments. Schools are continually seeking efficient methods for ensuring the protection of students and staff.
School Safety Measures
- Enhanced training for staff
- Installation of advanced weapons detection systems
- Ongoing assessments of student behavior policies
FAQs
What happened on February 6, 2024, at Myrtle Beach Middle School?
A student brought a gun and ammunition to school and reportedly planned to harm another student. The weapon was discovered by a school resource officer, leading to the arrest of the student involved.
Why was John Doe expelled from school?
John Doe was expelled for allegedly failing to inform school authorities about the gun’s presence. His appeal to reverse the expulsion was dismissed by the county court.
What security measures have been implemented after the incident?
The school district has initiated a security overhaul, including a $3 million weapons detection system and enhanced training for staff to better manage potential threats.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Middle Student Appeal Dismissed
- WPDE: Teen Charged in Shooting Death of Myrtle Beach Student
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News Article
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Middle School incident
- WMBF News: Former Horry County Security Coordinator Sues District
- Wikipedia: School safety
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
