Social media posts cause increased police presence at school districts in central Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Several school districts around central Arkansas are taking safety precautions after being notified of potential threats made through social media.

The following school districts have said that officers would be on school campuses in the area Thursday:

• Hot Springs School District
• Mountain Pine School District
• Cutter Morning Star School District
• Magnet Cove School District
• Malvern School District
• Fountain Lake School District
• Lake Hamilton School District

Officials with the Jessieville School District said that a message was sent out to parents regarding the issue.

According to Hot Springs School District officials, a message was sent to parents Thursday morning regarding a social media post listing “schools to shoot.” The message said that Hot Springs and several other districts in Garland County were included in the list.

School district officials said they are working with local law enforcement. Officials with the Hot Springs School District said they do not believe there is an imminent threat to the district, but they are taking the matter seriously.

Hot Springs School District officials said that a weapon detection system has been used at the junior academy and high school since last year and will continue for guests and students entering the campus.

School leaders with the Malvern School District and Lake Hamilton School District also said that there is no credible evidence of a credible threat at this time. Officials with Fountain Lake School District said their school district was not mentioned in the alleged post, but they are still taking precaution.

In the past week, several school districts have taken precautions regarding threats to schools around central Arkansas this week.

Since Monday, school districts in Maumelle and Cabot have announced an increase in police patrol. Last week, police in Russellville arrested a juvenile after being accused of making a social media threat against a school.

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