CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. – Clayton County Public schools are investigating social media threats targeting several schools that have prompted closures and increased police presence across the metro area.
In a statement sent Thursday, the school system described the threats as “designed to threaten the security of our campuses and disrupt the instructional day.”
School officials did not specifically mention the schools targeted by the threats or the nature of the threats.
“The CCPS Police Department is committed to thoroughly investigating the validity of these allegations in order to ensure the safety of all students, staff and visitors to campus,” a spokesperson for the system wrote. school in the press release.
The district said as a precautionary measure in response to threats, students and staff may see an additional security presence at some schools, including “the deployment of school closures deemed necessary by school leaders.”
“Our students are our first priority and we are committed to ensuring they receive the education necessary to compete as global and socially conscious citizens,” district leaders wrote.
Officials say they believe the threats were “a continuation” of similar social media posts targeting other nearby school districts.
According to USA Today, at least 30 false alarms and active shooter threats were made against schools across the country in the past week, with reports from schools in Florida, Arkansas, Illinois and more.