Police, the sheriff and school leaders will hold a news conference Friday morning to talk about gang violence and the threat of dangerous retaliation in the weekend murder of a gang leader.
They're keeping an especially close eye on schools.
Police say three Sunday morning shootings left six people wounded and the leader of the Southside Bloods dead.
Prosecutors say rival Rattlers gang members killed him.
Now, officers are on heightened alert to head off retaliation.
Westover High School's principal closed tomorrow's pep rally to anyone other than current students, and law enforcement is working to prevent any more gang violence.
Westover High's Principal sent out an automated parent link message, saying at least for this week, unlike in the past, no former students or parents can attend their pep rally just to make sure there is no chance of any potential gang violence.
"Everybody in the city I think is concerned at this point," said Dougherty County School System Assistant Superintendent, Kenneth Goseer.
"We do know that gangs have people in high school. Juveniles that are trying to be affiliated with them. So we want to make sure that all aspects of potential activity are scrutinized by law enforcement," said Dougherty District Attorney, Greg Edwards.
The leader of the Bloods, 24-year-old Dontavious Luke, was shot and killed at the Shackleford Shopping Center, and six others wounded. Four people have been charged in the Shackleford shootout.
"I guess the bottom line out of all of this is that there was enough quote, unquote leader within this situation, that is why we're worried about further retaliation in this situation," said Edwards.
School activities, especially Friday and Saturday night's high school football games at Hugh Mills Stadium will be closely watched.
"We have been in touch with the APD, the Dougherty County Sheriff's Department. We are going to have heightened security. We will also have extra DCSS police officers there, and all will be on alert," said Goseer.
Now Police are asking you to keep an eye for gang members from out of town, coming to Albany.
"The community must protect itself. Please let us know about weapons coming in. People coming in. Or anything that's part of this anticipated retaliation," said Edwards.
Heightened alert law enforcement says to stop potential threats before they escalate.
Both school officials and law enforcement say people do not need to be afraid and don't change your plans. They say just be alert and tell police if you see anything suspicious.
Local law enforcement leaders and the school superintendent will hold a news conference Friday morning at the Law Enforcement Center to discuss more about their response to the threats.
The owner of Club Xscape and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity officials dispute that their businesses had anything to do with the weekend's shooting.
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