Threats on social media prompted a large law enforcement presence at south Columbus High School this morning.
There is no lockdown, according to Columbus County Sheriff Jody Greene. Deputies, school Resource Officers and Deputies are normally posted at all schools, but additional personnel were added at South Columbus this morning. Highway Patrol Troopers are also assisting.
“We are taking these threats seriously,” Greene said in the press release. “As of this time, the schools are not on lock down. No other incidents have been reported from any of the schools.”
Kelly Jones of the Columbus County Schools said that while no actual threat to the schools was found — only a person or persons threatening others — officials opted to take no chances.
“This situation at SCHS occurred because of a rumor of a threat to the school,” Jones said in an email. “We did not find an actual threat, just persons on social media commenting they heard there was a threat.
“Out of an abundance of caution and in consultation with the Columbus County Sheriff’s Department, we had a heightened law enforcement presence today at the school without incident.”
Parents are being allowed to remove their children from class today. The football team, cheer squad and others are on their way to a state playoff game at Washington, N.C.
Greene reminded parents of the importance of monitoring children’s social media accounts. There are apps available for download to assist parents with monitoring online activity and social media posts.
The sheriff’s office is investigating the case. No specifics were given about the content of the threats.
A parent said the alleged threats may have stemmed from a recent fight at the school. The fight may have involved a case of bullying, he said.
The father said he is not worried about safety at the school.
“There are enough officers out there to take care of anything, if there was anything to worry about,” he said. “We talked about bringing our son home today, but he’s safer at school right now than anywhere else.
“Things are different from when I was in school,” the father said. “We would fight, and be friends that afternoon. Or else the school staff would step in and handle it. But now, everything is so dramatic. Kids get on social media and say things they don’t mean, but will follow them forever. The parents have got to keep an eye on them.”
The incident is the latest in a series of school threats via social media across the state. Charges are pending after a student in Pender made threats against a New Hanover school in October. New Hanover District attorney Ben David said charges could be filed against anyone who shared the threats on social media outlets, even if that person did not make the initial post.
