Community Concern as Threats Target Beaufort County Schools
BEAUFORT COUNTY – A series of unsettling threats have swept through local schools over the past week, stirring worry among parents, students, and faculty. Thankfully, authorities have confirmed that all the threats turned out to be unfounded, but local law enforcement has ramped up their presence as a precautionary measure.
It all began on Monday, September 16, when rumors spread like wildfire on social media about Battery Creek High School. Parents and students were buzzing after hearing about a supposed plan for a “shoot out” at the school, allegedly overheard by young folks at a gas station. According to Master Sgt. Danny Allen from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, the deputies immediately sprang into action, looking into the report. However, after investigating, they found no evidence to substantiate those claims. Nevertheless, an increased police presence was ensured at the school the following day for the safety of everyone involved.
To address the growing concern, Candace Bruder, a spokesperson for the Beaufort County School District (BCSD), communicated with families at Battery Creek High. The message emphasized the importance of being mindful about sharing unverified information online. Instead of passing along speculations, the district urged community members to report any suspicious behavior directly to school officials or law enforcement. This isn’t just limited to Battery Creek; schools across the district received similar reminders as rumors of potential threats circled around. Other schools including Beaufort Middle School, Hilton Head Island Middle School, and H.E. McCracken Middle School also had heightened police presence as a precaution.
Even the Wardle Family YMCA in Port Royal took action on Friday morning when they faced a threat directed towards their preschool. The facility went into lockdown mode, telling those inside they could leave but no one else could enter until it was deemed safe. Parents were immediately notified, and their afterschool program had to be canceled for the day. The YMCA reported that the FBI informed them about the unsubstantiated threat, prompting them to prioritize the safety of their members and program participants.
The situation escalated further at Bridges Preparatory School when a student, upset over having his earbuds confiscated, made a startling statement: “What do I have to say, that I am going to shoot up a school to get your attention?” Thankfully, school officials recognized this outburst as a “cry for help” rather than a genuine threat, using the school’s Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) protocol to address the student’s needs.
It’s important to note that while such threats may seem alarming, they often surge in frequency after high-profile incidents like the recent mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia on September 4. In fact, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), over 60 threats directed at schools across 23 counties in South Carolina have emerged since that event. The division stressed how seriously they take these threats and how enforcement is diligent in handling them.
With 21 juveniles already charged in relation to recent schooling threats statewide, SLED Chief Mark Keel made it clear: “School threats are not a joke.” The seriousness of making such threats cannot be understated, and law enforcement will continue to take appropriate measures to ensure safety and security in schools.
The recent spate of threats has not only raised concerns amongst parents but also highlighted the crucial role of communication and community vigilance in addressing safety issues. With everyone working together—parents reporting rumors instead of spreading them and schools taking precautionary steps—there’s a collective hope that the learning environment can remain safe and focused on education.
As we move forward, the strong partnership between community members and law enforcement will undoubtedly play a key role in maintaining safety for all students, faculty, and staff in Beaufort County schools.
