After a social media threat targeting students and staff at schools on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, multiple school districts are working with law enforcement to investigate.
The alleged threat surfaced from a post in a Snapchat group, but the specifics of the threat have not been disclosed.
According to statements from the Harrison County, Jackson County, and Gulfport School Districts, school officials said they were aware of the potential threat and are working with local law enforcement, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to find the culprit.
“We have received multiple calls in reference to threats circulating online involving many coastal schools,” the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department said. “At this time, we have been advised the threats are not believed to be credible, but the investigation is still ongoing. If we are given further information or concerns, we will do our best to keep our community in the loop.”
Similarly, the Gulfport School District said it is working with school principals, resource officers, and Gulfport police to ensure the safety, protection, and well-being of students, faculty, and staff.
As of Tuesday, schools in all three districts remain open as normal. However, in response to the online threat, area schools increased law enforcement presence on Monday while the investigation continues. At this time, authorities do not believe that the threat is credible, but the investigation remains ongoing.
“Based on the credible information we received from our federal and state partners, the threat is not imminent at this time,” Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter said Monday afternoon. “We will maintain a presence at the schools until we receive further information from the investigating agencies.”
For the future, the Harrison County School District encouraged parents and students to report potential threats to school administrators or law enforcement rather than sharing information on social media that isn’t verified.