Local schools acknowledge online threats made towards schools in West Virginia and Virginia

GHENT, WV (WVNS) — Multiple school districts in West Virginia and Virginia are aware and taking precautions due to threats made towards schools in the two states.

According to the Facebook pages for schools in multiple counties in West Virginia and Virginia, the schools and law enforcement are aware of the threats that appear to be going around the state.

The school and law enforcement Facebook pages that posted that they know about the threats include:

• Mercer County Public Schools – WV
• McDowell County Schools – WV
• Raleigh County Schools
• Monroe County Schools
• Fayette County WV Schools
• Greenbrier County Schools
• Wyoming County Board of Education
• PCS District (Pocahontas County)
• Summers County Schools and the Summers County Sheriff’s Office
• Nicholas County Board of Education
• Mingo County Board of Education
• Tazewell County Public Schools and the Tazewell County Virginia Sheriff’s Office

Mercer County Public Schools issued a statement on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 about the threats of mass violence that were made towards schools in the county.

After consulting with law enforcement, due to continued threats circulating on various forms of social media, for our area as well as surrounding areas, the increased presence of law enforcement on our campuses will remain throughout the week.

We know of multiple incidents where these threats are being made for no other reason than to invoke fear (terrorism) in an effort to disrupt school systems; however, in the times we are living in, we continue to take each threat seriously and with the utmost urgency. Please be aware collaboration is happening between various law enforcement agencies as well as homeland security across not only our state, but also across the nation.

Parents and Guardians, we encourage you to heavily monitor your child’s social media accounts. Please, have a conversation with them about the seriousness of their words and actions both online and in person. Students, please know the most severe form of disciplinary action will be taken towards those found to be making such threats and those found responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent by law. There is no room in our society for jokes about violent plans or mass threats.

Please continue to report any threats that may cause harm to our students, staff, and greater community. “If you see something, say something…” isn’t just a slogan, it has become a way of life and the only true way we can prevent this type of violence in our communities.

Mercer County Public Schools – WV Facebook | Edward Toman, Superintendent of Schools | Melissa Clemons, Safety Coordinator – Mercer County Public Schools

According to the posts on some of the schools’ Facebook pages, known counties where increased police presence and/or increased security will be at schools include:

• Mercer County, West Virginia
• McDowell County, West Virginia
• Raleigh County, West Virginia
• Monroe County, West Virginia
• Greenbrier County, West Virginia
• Mingo County, West Virginia
• Tazewell County, Virginia

A post on the Nicholas County Board of Education Facebook page stated that schools in Nicholas County would be closed for students and employees on Thursday, September 12, 2024. According to the post, the closure is due to an investigation for the safety of both students and employees of the schools.

According to the Pocahontas County Schools Facebook page (PCS District), they reminded students, guardians, and staff about the “SeeSend” app that can be used to report possible threats in schools, and that a shortcut for it can be found on the Pocahontas County Schools’ website .

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