Schools on High Alert Amid Social Media Threats in Elizabethton

Schools on High Alert Amid Social Media Threats in Elizabethton

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. — Over the past couple of days, schools in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia have been faced with unsettling social media threats, causing quite a stir among parents, students, and school officials alike. In the wake of recent tragic events elsewhere, it seems that extra caution has become the name of the game.

What’s Happening?

In a flurry of activity, various school districts and law enforcement agencies have been issuing updates, letting everyone know what’s going on. The good news? Most of the threats have been investigated and deemed not credible. It’s definitely a relief to know that local authorities are on top of the situation, ensuring our kids’ safety.

Carter County’s Response

Just past 11 p.m. Wednesday, Carter County Schools alerted the community about a social media post containing a threat to one of its schools. The district responded quickly, collaborating with local law enforcement to enhance security at all schools on Thursday. Fortunately, the investigation by the Carter County Sheriff’s Office revealed that the threats were not locally connected and seemed to be old messages making their rounds once again.

Elizabethton Police Get Involved

On Thursday morning, Elizabethton Police Chief Jason Shaw gave an update regarding a threat that had circulated on social media. After thorough investigation, officers discovered that the photo tied to the threat was about two years old, coming from an out-of-state IP address. Talk about a relief for the local community!

Hawkins County Takes Precautions

Meanwhile, Hawkins County Schools informed parents Wednesday evening about similar threats received on social media. They worked with the local sheriff’s office, leading to an arrest of a suspect on Thursday morning. For a brief period, Volunteer High School entered a “Green Lockdown” to ensure everyone’s safety while law enforcement conducted their responses.

Calm in Johnson City

Moving over to Johnson City, school officials sent a reassuring message to families, stating that they were aware of threats circulating online. After conferring with local police and the Department of Homeland Security, they confirmed that there were no credible threats affecting their schools. This really shows the importance of staying calm and informed!

Kingsport and Rogersville’s Concerns

John Sevier Middle School in Kingsport reported a threat but quickly collaborated with the local police, dismissing any concerns about its credibility. And in Rogersville, the police had managed to locate a person of interest regarding some troubling social media threats. By Thursday morning, they were able to announce that the suspect was in custody, allowing for additional officers to be present at local schools for added peace of mind.

Sullivan County and Washington County Follow Suit

In Sullivan County, the sheriff’s office also communicated that they were investigating social media threats but had determined them to be false alarms. They urged the community to report potential threats instead of sharing them, which could cause anxiety. Not to be left out, Washington County Virginia reported that a juvenile was charged with making four counts of threats, which included some rather alarming online posts linked to local schools.

A Collective Effort

With a lot going on, it’s clear that school districts and law enforcement agencies are working collaboratively to keep our children safe. While these threats are alarming, the quick responses from local authorities help to ensure parents that their kids are in good hands. This summer has taught us how crucial it is to stay vigilant, yet calm amidst such incidents.

As we navigate through these unsettling times, remember that community support and open communication are key. Keep those lines of discussions open with your kids, and encourage them to talk about their feelings and concerns. Together, we can create a safe and supportive environment for everyone!