Two local school systems are tightening security due to the potential threat of violence.
Both Spotsylvania County and Fredericksburg City Public Schools have announced that they are increasing the presence of local law enforcement around their facilities due to online threats. This comes on the heels of a detainment of a juvenile in Stafford County after threats were made against Brooke Point High School. That student also allegedly stole a firearm from a department vehicle lock box last week.
Fredericksburg City Public Schools first became aware of rumors regarding potential school violence on Monday, September 9th, according to a Wednesday evening update on the department’s Facebook page. FCPS states that their investigation concluded that the rumors are untrue and appear to originate from the same source. It says that not a single one of the claims provides “any detail, proof or evidence whatsoever” of legitimacy and that a number of other schools have experienced the same types of threats.
The Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office announced that it would be increasing its presence around county schools also on Wednesday afternoon. In an announcement on their Facebook page, the department cited a viral TikTok video of a “hit list” featuring schools around the world but also some that bear names shared by facilities in Spotsylvania County. The Sheriff’s Office is monitoring these videos and is working closely with Spotsylvania County Public Schools to prioritize student safety. They encourage anyone with concerns to contact the department with questions.
Students and parents in all three counties should expect a greater law enforcement presence around school facilities through the end of the week.
Update (09/12/24 at 11:07 AM): The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office has just announced it is aware of additional threats insinuating “general harm” to the county’s schools with a focus on the middle school level. Investigations into the state-wide rumor have not produced any credible threats to county schools.
