WCMS goes on lockdown because of potential threat

On the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, the parent of a White County Middle School student brought their child to the White County Sheriff’s Office. According to Sheriff Steve Page, the student informed him that a cohort had shown him something concerning the day before while at school that caused him to fear for the safety of the entire school. Upon receiving the news, WCSO and White County Schools worked together to place the middle school on lockdown.

White County Schools were keeping parents updated on the incident and stated there had been a “bomb threat.”

As of 10:15 a.m., Sheriff Page said the product had been located and the student in question had been detained.

However, in the interest of safety, all White County Middle School students were being dismissed and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) had been called in to do a thorough sweep of the campus while law enforcement begins a more thorough investigation. According to White County Schools, all student belongings will remain in the school until 8 a.m., Wednesday Aug. 21, to aid agents in their investigation.

“It is our job to keep the children of White County safe. I commend the student and parent who notified us of the threat and appreciate the swift response by all local agencies,” Page said. “This could have ended much differently, but thanks to the cooperation of local and state level authorities as well as White County Schools, all students are safely headed home to their families.”

According to the Facebook page for White County Schools, these were the updates provided throughout the morning of Aug. 20.

8:20 a.m.

The White County Sheriff’s office has requested we place White County Middle School on lockout due to a potential bomb threat. We will remain in lockout until further notice. No one will be allowed in or out of the building.  Law enforcement is on scene.

8:31 a.m.

Update: WCMS is safe. Authorities have detained a student. The school will remain in a soft lockout - no visitors on campus.  WCHS will also remain on a soft lockout out of an abundance of caution.

8:39 a.m.

Update: WCHS is released from lockout.  Students are safe, and school activities will continue as normal.  WCMS will remain on soft lockout until released by law enforcement.

9 a.m.

Update: Out of an abundance of caution, WCMS students will be evacuated while law enforcement conducts a final sweep of the building.  We will send an update once completed.  At this time, visitors are still not allowed on campus.

9:30 a.m.

Update: WCMS students are still safe.  Law enforcement is continuing their protocols.  We will continue to inform you with regular updates

10 a.m.

Update: WCMS students remain safe.  Law enforcement is continuing protocols.  Updates will continue.