Horizon Middle School campus threat cleared

Shooting at Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks in Marion Oaks, Fla. on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

Update: MCSO investigators have located no threat to Horizon Academy. As of 11:48, MCPS confirmed parents were picking up their children in the regular car line. However, some parents remained on blocked roads waiting for instructions. 

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to a campus threat at Horizon Academy Middle School this morning following a 911 call reporting an active shooter.

As of 12:10 p.m., no threat was identified to the students and staff of the school, and Horizon Academy was cleared.

Marion County Sheriff’s Office blocked off roads approximately half a mile from the school to restrict access to parents and the press.

“We received a call about an active shooter at Horizon Academy. MCSO deputies responded and were able to clear the school. They did not locate any threat to the safety of the students and staff,” according to the MCSO Public Information Office.

No injuries were reported at the school. Major Crimes detectives are investigating the 911 caller, according to MCSO.

At approximately 11:13, parents received a call from Marion County School District that the threat had been cleared for safety and children were being returned to classrooms. Parents were notified that if they wanted to pick up their children they needed to proceed to the car line and follow the procedure set up.

However, certain roads remained blocked and parents were unable to access the carline.

“For the safety of our citizens and the safety of the students and deputies, the roads remained blocked until we confirmed an all-clear,” according to MCSO.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.