Alabama schools close campuses after fear of retribution over weekend shootings, officials say

Multiple shootings over the weekend prompted school officials in an Alabama town to close two school campuses and have students switch to virtual learning Monday, officials said.

A pair of shootings on Saturday night involving juveniles forced Selma City Schools to put Selma High School and Saints Virtual Academy/ Alternative School on virtual learning until the incident is resolved, school district officials said.

Selma City Schools Superintendent Dr. Zickeyous Byrd said Sunday that school leaders decided to put the schools on virtual learning out of a concern for safety.

“Due to multiple shootings over the weekend involving juveniles, including one that left a teen seriously injured, the Selma City School District has decided to transition Selma High School and Saints Virtual Academy / Alternative Learning Center to virtual learning until the suspects are apprehended or until police presence is increased in our schools,” Byrd said.

“This decision comes out of concerns of possible retaliation. Our mission is to keep our scholars and staff safe at all times.”

Byrd said that the Selma Police Department is investigating the incidents and no arrests have been made at this time.