Several J-MC schools increase security after social media threat

MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. — Several Jackson-Madison County Schools enacted increased security measures Thursday afternoon after a report of a threat on social media.

Jackson police have since said there was no credible threat, according to Sgt. Derick Tisdale, public information officer for the Jackson Police Department.

Officials with the Jackson-Madison County School System initially denied any security threat but after questioning admitted the schools were placed on high alert.

According to Madison County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Tom Mapes, someone with the department alerted Superintendent Verna Ruffin of a threatening post on Facebook.

However, according to the Jackson Police Department, they were made aware of this threat last Friday by another agency. The suspect reportedly said he would be famous for shooting people “tomorrow,” which would have been Saturday, April 2.

The police department said it investigated that message right away and interviewed the individual, determining the threat was not credible. Investigators say the message made no reference to any schools.

Jim Hardegree, dean of students with the University School of Jackson, said the school was placed on lockdown for less than an hour Thursday afternoon. He said parents were notified.

WBBJ received reports from people at multiple schools saying they were under increased security in response to the report.