Threat of school shooting on social media prompts lockdown at Caroline High School

Caroline County, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - There is an increased law enforcement presence today at Caroline High School in response to two fights caused by “an inflammatory social media post.”

The Caroline County Sheriff’s Office said the school was forced into a modified lockdown on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Later that day, school officials began investigating a threat of a school shooting posted to Instagram.

In a joint statement , the sheriff’s office and Caroline Public School officials assured community members that the threat is being taken seriously.

“While these types of threats have been experienced across the region, state, and nation, the CCSO and CCPS take all threats seriously,” the statement said. “Reports received in Caroline have been exhaustively investigated through cooperative information sharing, with action taken per the CCPS Student Code of Conduct and the Code of Virginia.”

Authorities and school officials urged parents to speak with their children about “the severe consequences of making threats and spreading unconfirmed or inaccurate information.”

“If a student/family member hears or views a potential threat, it is imperative that they report it, not repost it,” the statement said.

There will be an increased law enforcement presence at both Caroline High and Caroline Middle schools for the rest of the week. No additional information, such as the credibility of the threat made on social media, has been shared as of the time of reporting.