Greenville County Faces Increased School Threats
In Greenville County, parents are becoming increasingly worried as threats surface from students within the school district. Following a tragic school shooting in Georgia that left four dead, local authorities have noticed a spike in violent threats in Upstate South Carolina schools.
Increased Collaboration for Safety
Greenville County Schools Superintendent Burke Royster and Sheriff Hobart Lewis have reached out to parents asking for help in reporting any potential threats. In a message, Royster referred to the recent Appalachee High School shooting as a reminder for continuous vigilance regarding student safety. They emphasized their commitment to maintaining a secure learning environment, and noted that School Resource Officers are present in every school to ensure safety.
Arrests Made This Week
On September 12, four students were arrested for threatening behavior at six local schools. One student from Blue Ridge Middle School, another from Woodmont Middle School, a student from Greer Middle School, and one from Riverside High School were charged. Notably, a student at Blue Ridge Middle was involved in a group chat discussing bringing a gun to school, but no weapon was found at that time. Additionally, a 16-year-old from Riverside High was accused of shooting a BB gun during a practice session. Fortunately, no students were seriously injured in these incidents.
Parental Concerns Online
As arrests have been made, many parents have taken to social media to express their fears. Some have chosen to keep their children home from school due to the threats. One Facebook user shared, “I’m so tired of seeing these lists of schools being targeted.” Others suggested that schools revert back to virtual learning for safety reasons.
Encouraging Responsible Reporting
Local law enforcement and GCS are urging everyone to follow the protocol of “See Something, Say Something.” Parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s social media to ensure concerns are reported properly rather than shared online. Authorities noted that reposting concerning content can create unnecessary panic and complicate ongoing investigations.
Despite the worrying trends, no injuries have yet occurred due to any threats within the Greenville County schools. Officials express gratitude for the community’s cooperation and remain committed to maintaining safety within the school district. Parents are reminded to stay vigilant and to report any suspicious or concerning activity promptly.
