According to Lieutenant Joseph Pritchett of the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, the threat came in around 1 p.m. from a caller claiming to be a student on campus, threatening to detonate a bomb at the high school. Law enforcement and school officials acted quickly to locate the student described by the caller, determining that the student was unaware of the threat and not involved.
Dr. Virgil Cole, Superintendent of the Morgan County Charter School System, explained that the school immediately initiated a soft lockdown, a procedure indicating no immediate or impending threat. This contrasts with a hard lockdown, where classrooms and exterior doors are locked, and no entry into the school is permitted.
The investigative team was able to trace the source of the call swiftly, leading to the detention of two eighth-grade students, ages 14 and 13, in connection with the bomb threat. Both students were taken to a juvenile facility, facing charges of terroristic threats and acts, as well as disruption of a public school.
The incident has brought to the forefront the importance of preparedness and the effectiveness of emergency protocols in ensuring the safety of students and staff in the face of potential threats. Dr. Cole emphasized the seriousness with which the school system treats such incidents, promising prosecution of the students involved “to the fullest extent that we can.”
The Morgan County High School community, while relieved that the threat was quickly contained and that no harm came to students or staff, remains vigilant. The events of March 26 serve as a stark reminder of the need for ongoing dialogue about school safety, the importance of swift communication in crisis situations, and the role of the community in supporting its educational institutions.
As the investigation continues, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office and school officials are commended for their rapid response and dedication to student safety. The community stands united in its commitment to providing a secure learning environment, with a renewed focus on the mechanisms in place to protect its young learners and educators.
