Suspect Had Almost 500 Rounds of Ammo at McNair

Students and staff returned to Ronald E. McNair Learning Academy on Thursday morning two days after a gunman entered the front office of the DeKalb County elementary school with an AK-47 style assault rifle and exchanged gunfire with police.

No one was injured during the Tuesday afternoon incident in which Michael Brandon Hill brought nearly 500 rounds of ammunition into the school with what police say was an intent to bring harm to children and first responders alike.

A school bookkeeper was instrumental in talking the 20-year-old Hill into surrendering peacefully after he fired a single shot into the floor of the school.

On Wednesday, less than 200 of the school’s 870 students returned to class at nearby McNair High School and students who did not attend received an excused absence. Counselors and a crisis intervention team were on site Wednesday to assist students and staff as needed, and will be available through at least the end of the week and possibly longer

Also Wednesday, Hill, who faces numerous charges including aggravated assault on a police officer, terroristic threats and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, waived a first court appearance. A preliminary hearing has been set for Sept. 5. 

Police shared with the media a cellphone picture of the suspect holding a gun in front of a mirror. Police also said the gun came from the home of an acquaintance of Hill’s. Hill was arrested five months ago in Henry County for alleged terroristic threats and acts against his brother on Facebook, and there were reports that suspect’s family indicated Hill had a history of mental illness.

This is a developing story.

See Also:

• Shots Fired, Gunman Apprehended at DeKalb Elementary School

• In the wake of the Atlanta school shooting, your children are bound to have questions and concerns

• McNair Bookkeeper Talked Gunman Into Surrendering

• DeKalb Schools Superintendent: "Potentially tragic outcome was avoided"