HINTON, W.Va. (Hinton News) – Summers County Schools have joined the growing list of schools facing threats as part of a wider trend that has impacted several states, including West Virginia. The alleged threats, which name schools across the region, were shared on social media, prompting a swift response from local authorities and the community at large.
In a statement released yesterday, Summers County Schools said, “There has been a post of a threat on social media to high schools in West Virginia. We are working with the sheriff’s department to provide precautionary steps to keep our schools safe.”
The Summers County Sheriff’s Department also addressed the situation, confirming the existence of a list circulating on social media that suggests certain schools are being targeted. “We are aware of a list of schools going around with the belief that they are going to be targeted in a shooting. At this time, we have no intel of an actual threat, but we are monitoring this situation closely and we are going to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of our students and staff,” the statement read. “If anyone has any information regarding this situation, please let us know.”
Authorities have not found any credible evidence supporting the threats but are taking precautionary measures as investigations continue. The threats are believed to be part of a larger pattern that has affected schools in multiple states, including Tennessee, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
The list of targeted schools allegedly originated from a Snapchat post, screenshots of which are now circulating on various social media platforms. Authorities are working to determine the validity of the post and its connection to similar threats made in other states.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) released a statement on the recent threats saying, “Issuing a threat of any kind promoting violence can be a violation state and/or federal law.” The statement goes on to say that those found responsible “will be thouroughly investigated.”
Screenshots of the alleged threats have been obtained by Hinton News. In them, the poster repeatedly states that students should stay home for their own safety. Reportedly, these messages were directed at students in the areas of Winchester Virginia, Berkeley County and Frederick County. We have not confirmed the validity of these messages at the time of publishing.
No further information has been provided at this time.
Anyone with information about these threats and anyone who notices suspicious activities that could lead to a threat is asked to contact their local 911 center or contact the FBI directly at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). The FBI also offers the ability to leave a tip through an online form found on their website.
