A man described by police as "suspicious" has been shot and killed by a school resource officer after attempting to enter an Alabama elementary school Thursday morning, reports say. 

The gunfire erupted outside Walnut Park Elementary in Gadsden around 9:30 a.m. after the individual showed up and attempted to gain entry into vehicles and buildings, Etowah County Sheriff Jonathan Horton told WIAT. 

"I got a call from the principal, who’s really distraught, and I really couldn’t make out what was happening," Tony Reddick, superintendent of Gadsden City Schools, told the station. "But I knew it was something pretty bad." 

A school resource officer who belongs to the Rainbow City Police Department reportedly responded to the scene and called for backup. The individual – who has not been identified -- was shot after a physical altercation ensued, according to WIAT, citing police. 

SENATE BILL PUSHES UNUSED COVID MONEY TO SECURING SCHOOLS IN WAKE OF MASS SHOOTINGS 

Walnut Park Elementary school in Gadsden, Alabama.

The incident happened Thursday, June 9, outside the Walnut Park Elementary school in Gadsden, Alabama. (Google Maps)

It was not immediately clear whether that man was armed. 

In a separate interview with AL.com, Reddick said the person "aggressively" tried to open several doors and that the building went into lockdown. 

Rainbow City Police Alabama car

A school resource officer who works for Rainbow City Police opened fire at the man, according to WIAT. (Rainbow City Police Department)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

He said there were 34 children inside the school at the time for a summer literacy camp, all of whom were safely transported to a nearby location for pickup. 

"We’re just so thankful that none of this involved the children," Reddick said. "Everyone followed the safety protocols that we’ve drilled on."