News

School threats appear to be out-of-state social media manipulation, sheriff says

By Lightning Reports, Published: September 12, 2024

The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office is aware of threats circulating regarding a threat of school violence. Many of the threats circulating show a list of schools from another state that have been manipulated by various social media users to look like real threats.

The lists shown are for “Targeted Assistance Programs” that are designed to support the needs of targeted student populations who qualify for supplemental services. Any direct manipulation of these posts or others made to look like a threat against one of our schools is a crime and anyone found responsible for doing so could be charged with communicating threats of mass violence on educational property, which is a felony.
The sheriff's office is working with Henderson County public school personnel to ensure the safety and security of all students and staff.

"We urge students to contact their School Resource Officer directly if they receive any threats," the sheriff said in an alert issued Thursday morning."It is crucial that these threats are reported through the proper channels and not shared or re-posted on social media. Each threat requires thorough investigation, and sharing such information can complicate the process, potentially leading to the need for students to meet with law enforcement personnel."