Rumor Of A Threat Reported At 3 Woodbridge Schools On Friday

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Threats toward three Prince William County Schools were reported to police on Friday, according to school officials. The rumors circulated among students at Gar-Field High School, Potomac High School, and Potomac Shores Middle School, according to e-mails sent to parents on Thursday evening and Friday morning.

The e-mails, which came from the principals of the three schools, were similar in nature. "The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority," the e-mails said. "I am writing to share with you that we are aware of a rumor of a threat to our school circulating among our students."

The e-mails did not specify the nature of the danger, however the principals did note the threats were taken seriously. The principals also wrote the threats were reported to police.

Matt Mathison, the principal at Gar-Field High School, and Brandon Boles, the principal of Potomac High School, said they requested an increased security presence at the schools on Friday.

"With everyone's help we can continue to keep our school a safe and effective place to learn," Mathison and Boles said in their e-mails to parents.

Friday's rumored threats are the latest in a series of reports targeting Prince William County Schools. On Tuesday, Woodbridge High School was placed under a lockdown for several hours after police received a false report of a shooting.

Read more: Lockdown Lifted At Woodbridge High After False Report: Police

On Wednesday, Hylton High School was placed under a "precautionary lockdown" as police investigated a threat. Police said they did not find any evidence of violence, and the lockdown was lifted around 9 a.m. on Wednesday.

*FINAL: Ref REPORT of threat at Hylton HS; school operations will be resuming, secure status lifted. NO EVIDENCE OF VIOLENCE LOCATED. Police will continue presence at the school as a precaution. The investigation into the threat received continues. https://t.co/8KWWCXDGLF pic.twitter.com/qhOIreyy9m
— Prince William County Police Department (@PWCPolice) November 10, 2021

Principals at Potomac Shores Middle School, Gar-Field High School, and Potomac High School urged their students to report any concerning information to a trusted adult.