Paul Hagan, a 60-year-old high school teacher, was filmed threatening to “put a bullet” in a student’s brain.
Hagan, a physics teacher, was recorded by another student making the threatening comment to the 17-year-old boy in his 11th-grade class at Rockdale Career Academy in Conyers, Georgia, on November 3.
April Carr, the teen’s mother, shared the video on Facebook, demanding action from the school district. The video does not make it clear what prompted Hagan’s threat.
“Don’t smile at me, man. That’s how people like you get shot. I got a bet by the time you’re 21 somebody’s gonna to put a bullet right through your head. Okay? And it might be me the one who does it,” Hagan said.
The video was apparently recorded by an RCA student in the classroom and was posted on Facebook by the parent of the student reportedly berated by Hagan. In the post, the parent calls for the removal of Hagan, who has been with Rockdale County Public Schools since 2010.
Cindy Ball, Rockdale County Public Schools’ director for strategy and innovation, said the system is aware of the video and that an investigation is underway.
“We were made aware of the video Thursday afternoon and immediately launched an investigation into this personnel matter, which is ongoing at this time,” Ball said in an email on Monday morning.
While Hagan apologized to the student after the comments, Carr said she wants him fired and charges filed.
“I think it’s a terroristic threat on my son’s life that I definitely don’t take lightly. “I want him fired. And I want him fired and I want charges pressed against him,” Carr said.
Carr has filed a police report and Rockdale Public Schools is investigating. Hagan has been placed on paid administrative leave as the school district conducts its investigation.
Furthermore, one student has reportedly claimed that Hagan made him wear a dunce hat when he was in his class.
