Threat to shoot teacher, bring bomb to Newsome High School prompted ‘lockout,’ deputies say

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A threat to shoot a teacher and bring a bomb to Newsome High School prompted a “lockout” Friday, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

The messages were shared to Fortify Florida, which is an app used to report suspicious activity, deputies said.

“There is about to be a [expletive] incident,” one of the messages read.

The messages identified a teacher by name.

In total, eight threats were reported Friday at the school, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies said 111 school-based threats have been submitted to Fortify Florida since Sept. 4.

“The turmoil and trauma experienced today by these students, staff, and parents is unimaginable, and no community should ever have to endure such fear and uncertainty,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement.

HCSO’s School Threat Assessment Response team received a tip regarding a potential threat around 8:47 a.m., according to HCSO.

Over 200 deputies responded to the high school to search individual belongings and students. No weapon has been found.

Parents were told not to try to pick up the students at the school itself. Instead, they were directed to a staging area at the Shops at Fishhawk.

The students were set to be dismissed in a staggered fashion. These were the hours released by the HCSO:

• Student Drivers: 2:50 p.m.
• Buses: 3:05 p.m.
• Students Walking: 3:25 p.m.

In a video messages on social media, Chronister said all students and staff at the school are safe. He also said his deputies were working on reunifying parents with their children.

“Parents, I feel your frustration,” Chronister said.

The sheriff said his agency determined there was no actual threat. Deputies will help direct traffic during the mass exit.

“Realize that this investigation, [while] no weapon was found on school [grounds], is far from over,” Chronister said.

No arrests have been made yet, as of the report.

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