Beaufort Schools Increase Security Amid Threats

Beaufort Schools Increase Security Amid Threats

In Beaufort, South Carolina, the recent weeks have brought concerning news as schools in the area have faced a wave of violent threats. This troubling situation has prompted local law enforcement to step up their presence in schools to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Rumors Spark Widespread Concern

On Monday, September 16, parents and students began buzzing with rumors about a potential threat directed at Battery Creek High School. Reports circulated on social media that some young people were overheard at a gas station discussing a possible “shoot out” at the school. In response, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office took action.

Master Sgt. Danny Allen, a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office, stated that they launched an investigation but found no credible evidence to substantiate the claims. However, out of an abundance of caution, additional law enforcement officers were dispatched to the school on Tuesday, September 17.

Community Safety Messages

Amid the panic, the Beaufort County School District (BCSD) sent out a communication to families of Battery Creek High School, urging the community to be mindful when sharing unverified information on social media. Instead, parents and students were encouraged to report any suspicious behavior directly to school officials or law enforcement.

This message wasn’t limited to just Battery Creek. Other schools in the Beaufort County School District, including Beaufort Middle School, Hilton Head Island Middle School, and H.E. McCracken Middle School also experienced heightened law enforcement presence due to similar rumors that circulated on social platforms.

YMCA Takes Precautionary Measures

The Wardle Family YMCA in Port Royal decided to close its facility on Friday morning after a threat was made towards their preschool. The YMCA initiated a lockdown, allowing existing members inside to exit, but stopping new entries “until it [was] safe to do so,” as posted on their Facebook page. Parents of preschoolers were promptly informed, and the afterschool program was canceled for the day. Representatives from the YMCA noted that they took the threat very seriously after being contacted by the FBI regarding the situation.

Response to a Student’s Outburst

In another incident, Bridges Preparatory School raised concerns when a student had an emotional episode and stated, “What do I have to say, that I am going to shoot up a school to get your attention?” This outburst occurred after a teacher took away the student’s earbuds. The school used its Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) protocol and determined that the statement came from a place of distress instead of a real threat against the school.

Determined Approach to Threats

Master Sgt. Allen and BCSD spokesperson Candace Bruder remarked that while it is uncommon to see a rise in this number of threats, such incidents tend to arise in the aftermath of school shootings, such as the recent tragedy at Apalachee High School in Georgia on September 4. Furthermore, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) reported a significant rise in school threats—over 60 incidents targeting more than 23 counties—since that date.

SLED emphasized that all threats are taken seriously and stated that there have been 21 juvenile arrests in connection with recent threats across South Carolina. “School threats are not a joke,” warned SLED Chief Mark Keel, underscoring that law enforcement is committed to securing schools and holding individuals responsible.

Conclusion

The recent surge in threats has brought an uncomfortable tension to the Beaufort community. However, local law enforcement and school officials are working diligently to ensure the safety of students and faculty amidst these troubling times. As the investigation and increased security measures continue, the focus remains on fostering a safe educational environment for everyone involved.