NORTH CAROLINA — Additional law enforcement officers will be stationed at four Nash County schools on Wednesday after a social media threat prompted an investigation, according to Nash County Public Schools.
Red Oak Elementary School, Red Oak Middle School, Northern Nash High School, and Rocky Mount High School each announced there will be an “increased law enforcement presence on campus” while the credibility of the threat is reviewed. District officials said the threat was posted on social media early Wednesday, but limited details have been released.
In a message shared on Facebook, Nash County Public Schools addressed families, stating:
“Parents, we ask that you partner with us by reminding students that threats are serious and are not appropriate under any circumstances. There is never a reason to use threatening language or make social media posts that threaten our campus or others. These behaviors will not be tolerated and carry serious consequences.”
The heightened police presence in Nash County comes as Edgecombe County Public Schools announced a remote learning day for Wednesday following a separate threat. District officials said a threatening voicemail was left at the central office from an anonymous number, prompting immediate contact with the Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office.
In a statement, Edgecombe County Public Schools said:
“A threatening voicemail was left at the ECPS central office from an anonymous number, We immediately contacted the Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office. Out of an abundance of caution, our law enforcement partners have recommended that staff and students remain home tomorrow. We do not make this decision lightly, especially in light of recent school closures. However, the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority.”
The remote learning day follows a series of recent school closures after an ice storm kept students home over the weekend. Investigations into both incidents remain ongoing.
