The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) has reported a “dramatic increase” in school threats across the state in recent weeks, leading to the expulsion of dozens of students who could potentially face jail time, according to the department’s weekly School Safety Update.
Jonah Adkins, WVDE Director of School Safety, stated in a video update that “hundreds of threats” have been made statewide, impacting thousands of students. These threats included violent messages shared on social media and false emergency reports, originating both within and outside of West Virginia.
Rob Cunningham, Deputy Cabinet Secretary for the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security, mentioned that dozens of students involved in the recent threats have been detained. He emphasized that these students are being expelled from their schools and may face charges that could lead to incarceration.
Local officials in north-central West Virginia confirmed that students from Preston, Barbour, and Braxton counties who were involved in making or falsely reporting threats have been detained as well.
Many of the threats were widely shared on social media, which officials say contributed to increased panic in the affected communities. Cunningham urged the public to avoid reposting resolved threats, as doing so can reignite fear. He advised that concerns about potential threats should be directed to local law enforcement instead.
The WVDE encourages parents to discuss the serious consequences of making threats with their children and to address any mental health concerns they may have. West Virginia public school parents can access free coaching, guidance, and therapy services online at ParentGuidance.org.
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