Students arrested amid rash of reported school threats in Knox County

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Several Knox County schools have been named in threats circulating on social media according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office .

On September 10, KCSO shared that its juvenile crimes unit was “actively investigating an online threat that has been circulating, naming numerous schools.” The sheriff’s office added they plan to charge those responsible to the fullest extent of the law.

Just after 4 p.m., a West Valley Middle School student, only identified as a 7th-grade girl, was arrested by KCSO. According to a release, detectives determined that the student was one of those responsible for posting the threat that included a list of Knox County schools.

Carter Middle School was the subject of a reported threat early Tuesday morning, resulting in the arrest of an 8th-grade student.

The sheriff’s office investigated multiple additional reported threats to schools in Knox County, including Halls Middle School, Halls High School, Gibbs High School, and Hardin Valley Academy. Investigations into some of the threats remain ongoing, a KCSO spokesperson said in a press release shared at 8:30 p.m.

Knox County Schools shared with WATE that they had been made aware of the posts and their school security department was working with law enforcement to investigate. They added that additional safety measures were implemented at the impacted schools as a precaution.

During a press conference Tuesday afternoon, KCS Superintendent Jon Rysewyk asked parents to speak with their students about the seriousness of making threats. He also emphasized that the school system’s number one priority is safety.

“There is no excuse for a child or teacher to be in fear while trying to attend or teach school. KCSO’s detectives, especially the juvenile detectives, are working around the clock to investigate these threats. If you have information, call 865-215-2243,” wrote KCSO.

The Knoxville Police Department shared that they are assisting in the investigation, adding that threats are “vague and unspecific” and the source of the threats is unknown. KPD is one of several agencies investigating including FBI Knoxville and Tennessee Homeland Security.

“We are aware of several school-related threats that have been circulated on social media. The threats are vague and unspecific. The original source of those threats is unknown and the investigation is ongoing,” wrote KPD. “All school-related threats will be investigated to the fullest extent possible and any individuals found to be responsible for making perceived threats of violence towards our schools will be held accountable.”

Around 7 p.m., Knoxville Police also shared that an 11-year-old student had been charged with making a threat of mass violence at Vine Middle School. KPD said that threat was not believed to be related to other school-related threats that have been circulating on social media.

On Friday, September 6, KCSO shared that two Halls High School students were charged with making threats of mass violence. Sheriff Tom Spangler also held a press conference at Halls High School urging parents to check on their children after several threats were made against Halls High and Halls Middle Schools.

“Parents, please check on your kids; know what they’re doing, the games they’re playing, and who they’re interacting with on social media platforms,” said Spangler on Friday.

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The schools being targeted have not been released.

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