Thu Sep 12 17:36:00 UTC 2024: ## False Threats Lead to School Disruptions and Parent Concerns in West Virginia
**CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WV News)** – A wave of threats, primarily circulated via social media, has caused disruption and anxiety in West Virginia schools. While deemed non-credible by authorities, the threats have prompted some parents to pick up their children early from school.
On Thursday, rumors of a potential threat at Robert C. Byrd High School in Clarksburg caused a significant number of parents to wait outside the school to collect their children, despite assurances from school and law enforcement officials that there was no danger. Similar incidents occurred at Preston High and Central Preston Middle School, leading to dismissals while authorities investigated the threats.
Authorities have confirmed that the threats, which have been reported across multiple counties, are false and originating from social media.
“It’s all social media-related,” Clarksburg Police Chief Mark Kiddy stated.
School officials are emphasizing that the threats are not credible and that students are safe. However, the spread of misinformation and panic through social media has prompted some parents to take precautionary measures.
“There is no credible threat,” said Harrison School Superintendent Dora Stutler. “We have tried to inform parents of the wave of false reports we’re seeing across the state.”
Local authorities are planning to hold a press conference to address the public’s concerns and provide guidance on how to report legitimate threats while discouraging the spread of false information. Increased police presence will also be deployed at several high schools on Friday morning.
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