School Shooting Threat Leads To Terror Charge For Student

FORSYTH COUNTY, GA — A 16-year-old student has been charged after making threats of violence related to a school shooting at West Forsyth High School in Forsyth County, according to police.

A concerned parent notified the Forsyth Sheriff's Office Wednesday evening of a social media post made by a student which displayed a firearm and made a threat of violence.

The sheriff’s office, in collaboration with the Forsyth County School System, immediately began an investigation into the report. After several interviews with the students and parents, lasting
well into the morning hours, the suspect was able to be identified and located.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit and School Resource Unit conducted an interview with the student and his parents. Based on the findings of the investigation the student was taken into custody and charged with one count of terroristic threats and acts then turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice.

The sheriff’s office said in a statement that they take each and every report of suspicious activity seriously.

"We continuously work closely with our school safety partners to ensure all of our schools stay safe," said Cpl Doug Rainwater, sheriff's office. "This week alone we have received several reports of suspicious activity that we fully investigated and found no creditable threat; however, this situation was different and was a legitimate concern.

"We continue to strongly urge students, parents, and facility to say something if they see or hear of any
suspicious activity," he said.

Another student on Snapchat said they would make Covenant Christian Academy, near Loganville, “Number 19,” Gwinnett police told Channel 2 Action News.

The number "19" is a reference to the recent statistic in the news that there have been 18 school shootings so far in 2018.

According to Channel 2 Action News, An investigation into the Covenant Christian threat led to a student who told police he was hacked and knew nothing about the threat.

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