There is legitimate concern about violent gang retaliation in Albany after the murder of a gang leader, but police stress it's nothing to panic about and school leaders insist schools are safe.
They don't want parents and students to believe all the rumors floating around.
Sunday's shootout at an eastside shopping center parking lot that killed Southside Bloods leader Dontavious Luke is now bringing fear and rumors into schools, something that upsets Dougherty County School Superintendent Dr. Joshua Murfree.
"Something happened away from our schools this past weekend. Our schools are safe. We're taking care of all of our students. Our games will go on. Our pep rallies will go on," said Dr. Murfree.
Dr. Murfree says parents and students have nothing to fear at school.
"I want to end the rumor mill right now. I want to squelch it right now. We're about the business of making sure our schools are safe and were doing everything we can do concerning that," said Dr. Murfree.
"I don't think anybody needs to be in panic mode. I don't think we're there. What we do recommend is just be aware of your surroundings. If something doesn't look right, then leave," said Dougherty County Police Chief Don Cheek.
Chief Cheek says his department will partner with Albany Police to make sure the public is safe from gang activity that could possibly take place in the next coming days.
"The big thing is that we're sharing information. We're trying to funnel any information or anything that comes up to APD because they're the lead agency," said Chief Cheek.
Dr. Murfree says safety in schools is always on the top of his list.
"That's every day. It's not just this weekend or past weekend. That's every day. We do everything to make sure that schools are safe," said Dr. Murfree.
He hopes this weekend's activities go off without a hitch.
Dr. Murfree said he's heard rumors that school is cancelled on Friday and wants parents and students to know class will be in session and he says students should be there.
School and law enforcement officials will hold a joint news conference Friday morning to talk more about the threats of gang violence and their response to them.
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