Students Safe After Threat Discovered At James Monroe High School

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Students and staff members are safe after a threat at James Monroe High School on Tuesday, the Fredericksburg Police Department said.

In a Facebook post, the school said there was never any danger to students or staff members. Students were held in classrooms after the threat was discovered around 9 a.m.

Authorities have identified a suspect in connection with the threat. "Juvenile intake has been notified," school officials said. They did not note whether any criminal charges have been filed.

School staff members posted an update to Facebook around 1 p.m. on Tuesday. They said the threatening message was discovered in a bathroom on Tuesday morning. Students remained in their classrooms as police officers investigated.

"At no time were students, faculty, or staff in danger. Safety remains our prime focus, and faculty were asked to keep students in their classrooms and continue with instruction while the investigation was ongoing," the school said. "While many rumors about this incident were circulating, at no point was anyone in danger. We are confident that the investigation revealed there was no threat."

There was an increased police presence at the school throughout the day as a precaution.

This is the second threat at James Monroe High School in as many weeks. On Oct. 10, someone threatened the school over the phone. Authorities placed the school on lockdown and searched the campus before determining that there was no credible threat.