More Alabama public schools are on alert in response to a recent trend in the state of online threats targeting public schools that have already led to multiple arrests this week.
Over the weekend and beyond, law enforcement in Elmore, Montgomery and Etowah Counties have arrested at least six juveniles related to online posts threatening various schools and school systems. The posts' origins are difficult to pin down since they're shared across multiple platforms and profiles. However, the posts tend to always directly mention harming children at the schools.
SEE: Six juveniles arrested since Sunday over online terroristic threats made to River Region schools
The most recent threats landed in Marshall and Madison Counties, leading law enforcement and the school systems to inform parents and residents of the possible dangers.
"Today, Tuesday, Sept. 10, social media posts have surfaced containing statements related to Albertville City Schools," the school system said in an online post. "We want to assure you that the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. The Marshall County Sheriff's Office, our School Resource Officers (SROs) and the Albertville Police Department are actively monitoring the situation."
"At this time, no credible threat has been identified. However, we are taking all statements regarding school safety seriously. We are grateful for the continued vigilance of our local law enforcement agencies and the community in ensuring the safety of our students," the system added.
Guntersville City Schools released a similar warning on its Facebook page, saying it was aware of threats made to the surrounding school systems and was working with law enforcement to monitor the situation.
The Madison County School System sent an email to parents after Sparkman High School in Harvest was named in another online post, which they say is part of a "nationwide social media threat."
"Earlier this morning, we were alerted to a serious nationwide social media threat that included several schools, including Sparkman High School," the email reads. "In line with our safety procedures, we are collaborating closely with the Madison County Sheriff's Office to verify the credibility of the threat. We are treating this as a high-priority issue, implementing additional safety measures on campus and deploying extra sheriff's deputies until the situation is resolved."
The Boaz City Schools System also released a statement on Tuesday morning, citing the threats as the cause for "heightened awareness" in the system.
"This morning we were made aware of a possible threat to several school districts in and around Marshall County," the system wrote. "Boaz City Schools has been placed on heightened awareness until further notice. We will continue to be vigilant in ensuring the safety of our students and staff."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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