Russell County Public Schools closed Friday due to threats

RUSSELL COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) — A Southwest Virginia school district closed its schools on Friday due to potential threats made on social media.

Russell County Public Schools announced Friday morning that schools would be closed after administrators were informed of “potential threats posted on social media sites that directly targeted schools in our division,” a statement from the school district reads.

Staff will also not work on Friday.

The school district stated that the safety of students and staff is the top priority. Russell County Public Schools is working with local law enforcement to investigate the threats.

The Russell County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement on Facebook shortly after noon, stating the trend in threats has affected schools throughout Virginia, Tennessee and all across the region.

“As of now, we have found no credible threats that affect the safety of the Russell County Public School System,” the sheriff’s office stated. “Measures are currently in place to ensure the safety of our schools and this situation is being monitored consistently.”

According to the sheriff’s office, schools will be returning to normal routines and are considered safe.

Multiple schools in the region have received threats over social media. Juveniles have been charged in some school districts .

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