Governor Justice calls for investigation into threats of violence against West Virginia schools

CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) — Governor Jim Justice (R-WV) asked the West Virginia Fusion Center to be the main agency to investigate recent threats aimed towards schools in the Mountain State.

According to a press release, Governor Justice told state agencies to work together to investigate the online threats and warnings that more than 45 schools in West Virginia received in September 2024.

We will tenaciously pursue these bad actors and anyone creating an unsafe environment for our children. I just won’t tolerate it. Not for one instant. Each and every one of these threats will be investigated and all our resources are working together to protect our students, our schools, and our communities.

Governor Justice

Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security, as well as various school districts, are aware of the online threats made towards schools in the state. The agencies are working with federal, local, and state partners to investigate the threats.

School superintendents throughout West Virginia had a discussion on Thursday, September 12, 2024 about the safety measures and protocols, and ongoing response regarding the threats. Additional resources will be provided in West Virginia counties by Homeland Security if necessary.

We are working with local, county, regional, state, and federal authorities to investigate and address these threats. As we fulfill our mission to protect our students, teachers, and staff and coordinate our response and investigation with local and federal authorities, we ask the public to share any and all information they may have regarding these threats.

Mark Sorsaia | Secretary of Homeland Security

According to the press release, receiving threats towards the beginning of the school year is not a rare occurrence, and the threats are taken seriously and the school safety unit has a zero tolerance policy when handling the threats. Those who make the threats could be subjected to disciplinary measures such as suspension, expulsion, and legal consequences.

Our ongoing priority is to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our students and communities. We will continue our investigation of each event and are prepared to respond if needed. We ask the community to download our emergency response phone app and assist us in keeping our communities safe.

Rob Cunningham | Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security

The West Virginia Fusion Center, under the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security, will handle state level response efforts and investigations regarding the threats.

These threats are incredibly disruptive to student learning and well-being. We implore our families and communities to work with their local law enforcement agencies or school safety officers to report suspicious activities. Students deserve to attend schools where they feel safe and can learn in a productive and nurturing environment.

Michele L. Blatt | State Superintendent of Schools

The press release from Governor Justice stated that the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security would give out more information when it becomes available, and that 911 should be called if there is an immediate threat or if law enforcement is needed.

Governor Justice also stated in the press release that West Virginia partnered with My Mobile Witness to add a “see something, send something” reporting system on mobile devices. The See Send app can be found on Google Play and the App Store.

The app can also be used for web-based reporting that is not from cell phones. After the app is downloaded to a device, members can enter details such as name (or anonymously if necessary), state, and phone number, and the person can then send a tip for topics such as “School Threat or Safety Issues,” “Crime/Suspicious Activity, ” or help for “Suicide or Addiction.”

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