Greenville County Sees Rise in Threats Against Schools

Greenville County Sees Rise in Threats Against Schools

In Greenville County, concerns about student safety have escalated following a series of threats made against local schools. The school district and law enforcement officials are urging parents and students to be proactive and report any suspicious activity.

Increased Threats Following Tragic Shooting

The recent threats have come in light of the tragic shooting at Appalachee High School in Georgia earlier this month, where two students and two teachers lost their lives. In response, Superintendent Burke Royster and Sheriff Hobart Lewis from Greenville County Schools (GCS) have highlighted the need for everyone’s vigilance. “We are fully committed to maintaining the safety and security of all students and faculty within Greenville County Schools,” Sheriff Lewis stated. “Every threat is taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.”

Arrests Made

This past week, six students were arrested as part of the ongoing threat investigation. On September 12, four of the arrests were confirmed during a communication to parents. One student from Blue Ridge Middle School, another from Woodmont Middle School, a third from Greer Middle School, and a fourth attending Riverside High School were involved in separate incidents. One case involved a student saying in a group chat that they were going to bring a gun to school, but no weapon was found on them. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Parent Concerns on Social Media

Parents have taken to social media to express their worries. Some have even decided to keep their children home from school due to the fears surrounding safety. Comments have ranged from frustration about the threats to calls for virtual school to ensure children’s safety. One parent stated, “Apparently it’s also going on in Anderson and Greenville. That’s insane to want to cause panic with kids and their parents!!”

Seeking Safety Together

To address these concerns, GCS urges everyone to follow the “See Something, Say Something” protocol. This includes parents monitoring their children’s social media accounts and encouraging them to report any concerning posts, rather than sharing them further. “Reposting can create panic and complicate investigations,” a GCS representative reminded parents.

Continued Vigilance

As the investigation continues, both the school district and law enforcement are committed to ensuring student safety and responding effectively to any threats. They have urged the community to work together and stay vigilant. “If you see something, say something,” emphasized Sheriff Lewis, reinforcing the importance of community involvement in keeping schools safe.

This situation remains fluid, and both the schools and law enforcement are dedicated to providing a safe environment for all students in Greenville County.