‘We will prosecute these kids,’ Knox County DA issues stern warning amid school threats

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Several Knox County schools were named in an online school threat making its rounds on social media on Tuesday. The threats lead to some Knox County parents opting to keep their children home on Wednesday.

“I just don’t feel safe sending them to school because what if something does happen,” Knox County’s parent MaLeaya Taboada said. “I know that there are parents that don’t have that option. To know your kid might not come home is one of the worst feelings in the world. I’m going to do whatever I can to make sure my kids are home safe.”

A spokesperson for the school district said that school attendance on Wednesday was 68.3 percent, approximately 25 percent below normal.

Knox County District Attorney General Charme Allen shared a similar message that Sheriff Tom Spangler and Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk said previously, any threat directed at a school will be taken seriously.

“We will actually go forward and we will prosecute these kids,” Allen said. “If we are successful then what will happen is they will be put in the Department of Children Services Juvenile Justice Division meaning that they will be locked up and they will stay in custody for at least six months.”

Five weeks into Knox County’s school year, there have been over a dozen students arrested so far for making a threat towards a school, including six students arrested on September 10.

• Knoxville Police announce more arrests after reported school threats
• KCSO: Students arrested amid rash of reported school threats
• 11-year-old charged in threat at Vine Middle School
• Two Halls students arrested, accused of making threats of mass violence

Amid the threats, Taboada hopes the district takes more precautions in the future.

“Metal detectors definitely,” Taboada. “I think mesh backpacks for sure. I know things can be hidden but through a metal detector not so much but those types of things I think that they should have.”

On the heels of these threats, Allen made a plea to parents.

“If they do something like this it’s going to significantly change their future,” Allen said. “Have that tough conversation, explain to them that it will not be tolerated. It will not be tolerated in your home, it won’t be tolerated at school, it won’t be tolerated in the court system.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.