Greenville Students Face Charges Over School Shooting Threats
Greenville, SC — A wave of copycat threats following a recent school shooting in Georgia has led to serious consequences for some young students in Upstate South Carolina. Over the past week, multiple students aged between 12 and 14 have been charged for making verbal threats towards their schools.
Officials reported that after the tragedy that took place in Georgia on September 4, there is often a noticeable increase in similar threats across the country. On September 10, principals from 13 schools in Greenville County alerted parents about ongoing rumors of threats within their institutions. Fortunately, law enforcement investigations confirmed that none of these threats were legitimate.
In Oconee County, the school district announced on September 9 that they were looking into three potential threats, leading to a charge against one student. These charges stem from a state law that strictly prohibits students from sending threats of violence, regardless of the comment’s intent.
A 13-year-old middle school student in Greer was charged after he allegedly stated in class he would “shoot up” the school, as noted by a spokesperson for the Greer Police Department. This situation has heightened concerns, especially with the memory of the recent shooting fresh in people’s minds.
“Whether someone is joking or not, if they are found to have made a threat against a school, then they can be charged,” stated a spokesman for the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. This response illustrates the zero-tolerance stance that local officials have taken in light of the potential risks that such comments could bring.
Many officials are urging communities to stay vigilant, as threats have spread quickly, often fueled by social media. Posts have circulated featuring numerous schools allegedly facing threats, which has led to unnecessary panic among parents and students alike. The Greenville County School District reminded everyone, “When students or adults repost messages on social media and don’t report through the appropriate channels, it perpetuates fear and creates additional safety issues.”
As schools across Upstate South Carolina remain on high alert, officials continue to investigate any threats seriously and treat them with utmost care to maintain a safe learning environment.
