WJBF

Students at Westside High School returning to class after phoned threat

UPDATE: The RCSS says that students and staff at Westside High School are safe and returning to class. Read the entire statement below:

Our students and staff are safe. Law enforcement agencies have searched and cleared the school for students to return to classes.  School will continue with additional safety support on the campus for the remainder of the school day.  Our students and staff are in the process of returning to classrooms. Once all students and staff are in place, lunch will be provided and we will resume the regular bell schedule. School counselors are available for students needing support. Parents desiring to pick up children can drive to the front entrance of the school and follow the directions of the school resource officers.

RCSS

Officials are planning to hold a news conference at 2:30 p.m. to address the investigation into the hoax calls and address the safety and security of Richmond County Schools. NewsChannel 6 will keep you updated on what happens.


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – NewsChannel 6 has received multiple calls about a large police presence at Westside High School in Richmond County after a threat was phoned into the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Though details are limited, Gold Cross EMS tells WJBF that they have six ambulances and several supervisors, as well as quick response vehicles, on scene AS A PRECAUTION, there are no patients.

The Richmond County School System has issued the following statement:

In an effort to keep you informed, please be aware of an incident that occurred at our school this morning. Our students and staff are safe.  A potential threat against the school was called in to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. The call used the same message sent in threats determined to be unsubstantiated in other Georgia school districts this morning.  We take all threats seriously. Out of an abundance of caution, the school is on lockdown status while law enforcement agencies provide a full response.  Additional information will be provided after the law enforcement response is complete.

RCSS

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation tells NewsChannel that they are on standby with investigative teams ready to assist and the GISAC (state fusion center) is also working closely with federal agencies to monitor activity.

Wednesday morning, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office increased its security at all county schools amid threats of violence at state schools.

Savannah High School was evacuated due to an active shooter hoax.

Georgia Governor, Brian Kemp, tweeted out that all the threats are cruel hoaxes:

School leaders in Columbia County said they haven’t had any threats, but they will also increase security at county schools.

Count on NewsChannel 6 for more details as they become available.