Juvenile charged with threat of mass violence against 2 Edgecombe County schools, officials say

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WNCN) — Officials in Edgecombe County said a juvenile was charged Sunday and more security will be in place Monday after threats were made against two middle schools this weekend.

The threats were made on social media Saturday regarding West Edgecombe Middle School, southeast of Rocky Mount, and J.W. Parker Middle School in northeast Rocky Mount, according to a news release from Edgecombe County Public Schools.

“The juvenile responsible has been identified and charged with communicating a threat of mass violence on educational property,” officials said in the release.

The school district said they plan an increased law enforcement presence Monday at  West Edgecombe Middle School and J.W. Parker Middle School “out of an abundance of caution.”

The school district first revealed threats were made on Saturday night. Officials said around 7:40 p.m. that the Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office and the Rocky Mount Police Department were “actively investigating” the case.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Rocky Mount Police Department and the Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office for their swift and effective response in handling this situation,” the school district said Sunday afternoon.

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