Tennessee Sheriffs’ release statement after recent statewide school threats

SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL)—Tennessee Sheriffs have released a statement regarding recent school threats in the state.

Sullivan County Sheriff Jeff Cassidy, president of the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association , said the following in Friday’s statement:

One of the main goals of an Elected Sheriff is to provide quality safety and ensure citizens feel secure in their surroundings. With the increased volume of school threats being made across the state of Tennessee, we want parents, students and citizens to know that we will not tolerate anyone making threats and inticing fear within our schools and community. Those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest exent of the law. Making threats of violence against a school is a class E felony offence TCA 38-16-517, which carries life-altering consequences.

We urge parents to monitor what their child is posting on social media platforms and talk to them about the seriiousness of making or even sharing threatening posts. As always, we continue to urge the community to report anything suspicious or potentially threatening in nature toward schools or any public building. We understand the frustration, stress and fear communities across our state are dealing with, and we will continue to investigate every threat receieved in an effort to ensure the safety of our schools and all citizens.

Sincerly,

Sheriff Jeff Cassidy, president of the Tennesee Sheriffs’ Association

In Northeast Tennessee, at least four juveniles have been arrested in relation to school threats. Two juveniles were arrested in Elizabethton , one was arrested in Hawkins County and another was arrested in Sullivan County.

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