WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — A student fired a gun at a school window in Fuquay-Varina Thursday morning, forcing a "code red" lockdown and early dismissal, school leaders say.

It happened at Fuquay-Varina Middle School off of N. Ennis Street. All students are safe, the principal said in a letter to parents.

District leaders say the student involved is in police custody, and the gun has been confiscated. 

School buses were halted during the lockdown and are returning to provide transportation to student bus riders. Parents can also pick their child up at the school's Council Gym, at 106 N. Ennis Street. As parents arrive, students will be taken to the gym to be reunited with them.

"School staff will stay with students at school until arrangements have been made for everyone to get home safely," district leaders say. 

All after school activities are canceled for Thursday.