Iva, SC | On Sunday Night, September 8, 2024, Anderson School District 3 was made aware of a potential threat circulating on social media. Anderson School District 3 immediately notified the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and The Iva Police Department. Per the District, after an intensive investigation, the threat does not seem to be credible. The District released a statement to all parents: “Anderson 3 has been made aware of a social media post that alluded to a threat to Crescent High School. Law enforcement, including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Iva Police Department, were brought in immediately. After an intensive investigation, no credible threat against Crescent High School has been identified. Unfortunately, these types of threats have increased in communities across the country following the recent school incident in Winder, Georgia. Anderson 3 takes all alleged threats seriously. Your child’s safety is our top priority. Out of an abundance of caution, there will be an increased law enforcement presence at Crescent High School on Monday, September 9, 2024.” Below is one of the messages circulated on social media. Crescent High School also made a statement that was published on Facebook. This post can be viewed here.
https://www.facebook.com/share/jWyBaCCZ3bQ6XN1T/?mibextid=WaXdOe
UPDATE: 09/10/2024
Anderson School District 1,2,3,4,5 Superintendents released a statement about all schools in Anderson County. Here is their statement:
“Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of all students and staff across our county’s schools. Recently, there has been an unfortunate increase in hoax threats circulating on social media, particularly concerning school safety and potential incidents.
We want to reassure you that our districts are working closely with state and local law enforcement agencies and take every reported threat seriously. If you or your child becomes aware of a potential threat, we encourage you to report it immediately to both your school and the proper authorities.
In the event of a legitimate and verified threat, we want to assure you that our districts will act swiftly and communicate directly with parents and guardians through our official channels. Please refrain from sharing unverified information on social media, as it can cause unnecessary panic and confusion.
We ask for your continued support in helping us ensure that all students feel safe and secure in our schools. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our school communities safe.”
-Superintendents of Anderson School Districts 1,2,3,4 & 5
This comes just five days after the Apalachee High School shooting in Winder, GA.
On August 13, 2024, a T.L. Hanna High School student brought a gun to school. Upstatenewstoday.com spoke with Anderson School District 5’s Public Information Officer, Kyle Newton, who stated that Anderson School District 5 has four AI Enhanced Metal Detectors.
Mr. Newton stated that the hefty price tag cost the District $800,000 for four AI-enhanced Metal Detectors. Because of this system, Anderson School District 5 was alerted of a possible weapon on a student. This system quickly notified School Enforcement staff and Law E. Law Enforcement located the gun and subsequently arrested the juvenile student.
To learn more about the Evolv System watch their YouTube video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODaN5qSjGn8
On Monday September 9, 2024 Laurens Police Department was made aware of a threat against Laurens Middle School. Here is their statement released to Facebook.
On Tuesday September 10, 2024 The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office released a statement.
Anderson School District 3 received a social media threat regarding Crescent High School but after a thorough investigation, it was deemed not credible. Law enforcement, including SLED and the Iva Police, are on high alert with increased presence at the school for safety. 📚🚓 The district emphasizes that student safety is a top priority.