Riverside High School in Durham County was plunged into a state of high alert this morning, just after 10 a.m., when the Durham County Sheriff’s Office received a tip-off about a student supposedly seen with a gun on campus. As a result of the information, an immediate lockdown was declared; however, the investigation bore no fruit as the reported student was not found on the premises, as per a statement from the Durham County Sheriff’s Office.

The anxiety was short-lived because by 10:25 a.m., the lockdown was rescinded, but not before a second claim emerged, another student accused of concealing a firearm sowed fresh worries and yet, upon inspection, no weapon was uncovered; the Sheriff’s Office and school authorities remained vigilant, scrutinizing each lead with precision while navigating the delicate balance of safety and panic that such tips precipitate.

Amid this tense atmosphere, Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead emphasized the significance of conscientious reporting. “We want students and staff to feel safe in our schools,” he said, according to the Durham County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Birkhead further stressed the importance of responsible use of the tipline, stating that inaccurate tips can spread unnecessary fear, causing ripple effects that touch the school community and beyond, “Calling in regarding a threat is something we encourage however when those tips are false, it creates fear and uncertainty for the school community and a safety issue for the campus, first responders and the community as a whole”.