Multiple school districts across Georgia have reported receiving school threats since the September 4 mass shooting in Winder. According to sources, statewide, at least nine people have been charged with making threats — even those whose threats were deemed to be hoaxes.
The FBI issued a statement Friday urging the public to stop reposting online threats because they “can cause undue panic and spread false information.” The Bureau says safety hotlines and law enforcement often see increased reporting following a mass shooting because students and the public are more inclined to report suspicious activity or concerns.
“To date, the majority of investigations into threats posted online since the Apalachee High School shooting have been deemed non-credible,” the FBI says. “If you see or hear a threat, report it to local law enforcement immediately. Notify authorities but don’t share or forward the threat until law enforcement has had a chance to investigate.”
Area schools impacted
In Northeast Georgia, law enforcement and school administrators have responded to these seeming copycat threats in different ways, such as canceling classes, implementing soft lockdowns, or conducting investigations.