Worth County Schools issued a statement Monday after a social media post listed the district among hundreds of schools potentially targeted for a shooting. This follows a spike in threats aimed at schools across Georgia, particularly after the tragic school shooting at Apalachee High School earlier this month.
While the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has determined many of these threats to be non-credible, officials are taking extra precautions by increasing police presence around schools in the district.
The Details: The social media post in question involved someone pasting a list of Title I schools, including Worth County Schools, and adding the words “school shooting.” The district promptly alerted authorities and emphasized that these threats should not be shared or re-posted but instead reported to law enforcement, as sharing could hinder efforts to track down the original poster.
Background on the Apalachee High Shooting: The surge in threats comes on the heels of the devastating attack at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. On September 4, 14-year-old Colt Gray opened fire at the school, killing two students and two teachers, and injuring nine others. Gray, who had been on law enforcement’s radar after previous threats, used an AR-15-style rifle gifted to him by his father.
In Context: The Apalachee shooting has heightened fear across Georgia’s school communities, particularly as reports of similar threats have increased. Law enforcement agencies are urging caution, asking people to avoid spreading unfounded rumors that could contribute to panic.
What’s Next? As a precaution, Worth County Schools will maintain a visible police presence throughout the week to reassure students and staff. Investigations into the social media post continue, with authorities seeking to identify its source.