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A threat against Blackville-Hilda schools was determined to be false.
On Thursday, October 31, a threat was made on a veterans chat line against the school. This immediately led to a lockdown as law enforcement officials investigated.
“Blackville-Hilda High School (BHHS) administrators, along with the Barnwell County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), investigated an alleged threat and concluded that the allegations were false. While investigating the allegations, Blackville-Hilda High School was placed on a lockdown as law enforcement officials aided the school officials in promptly investigating the allegations,” said Barnwell County School District Superintendent Dr. Crissie Stapleton.
Chief Deputy Darlene Cook with the BCSO said they ran the IP address through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s (SLED) Fusion Center, which determined it originated in France.
“With the help of SLED, it was discovered that the threat originated overseas, and the same message has gone out to multiple schools across the United States. Out of an abundance of caution, our schools were asked by law enforcement officials to shelter in place until the issue was resolved. Once the situation had been carefully checked and cleared, the school was no longer on lockdown and resumed normal operations,” said Stapleton.
Chief Cook said these “hoaxes” are happening more and more across the nation.
“At no time during this incident were students in danger,” said Stapleton. “As a side note to parents, please remind your child that all threats made toward Barnwell County School District's students and staff are taken seriously.”
While the threat was not real, the school district and sheriff’s office said they will always work to ensure school safety.
