MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Chaos erupted as parents tried to make a mad dash to pick up their kids at Southwind High School amid a district-wide lockdown Wednesday.
Tension escalated to the point where a parent was detained by police.
Parents criticized Memphis Shelby County Schools after receiving late notice that their child’s school had been placed on lockdown.
School superintendent says Southwind threat prompted lockdowns
“I got the message real late,” said Shannon Johnson, mother of a Southwind student. “I didn’t get a call and message until probably after like 11 o’clock.”
Shannon Johnson says she is not alone.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools sent out a note saying they were aware of a threat to several schools. While deputies investigated, the district asked parents not to show up at their child’s school.
“I am upset, they talking about taking these kids’ phone. No, they should not take they phones,” said Tawanda Taylor, mother of a student. “It’s too much.”
MSCS said that more than one school received threats. Southwind High School was one of the first to receive a threat via the phone while Whitehaven High School received social media threats.