A Snapchat threat led to the arrest of a 17-year-old student at North Cobb Christian School in Acworth yesterday morning, according to police. The Acworth Police Department, following a tip from the FBI about a "Snapchat photo sent with a school shooting threat," quickly placed the school on lockdown and proceeded to methodically track down the suspected student, as per Atlanta News First.
The student, identified as Ella Sever, is accused of making terroristic threats and is currently being held at the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office without bond on a felony charge. In their response to the distressing event, school officials have decided to sever ties with the accused, stating, "The student will no longer be enrolled at North Cobb Christian school and will not be allowed on campus," as revealed in a statement obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta. The school further implored the community to "please keep this student and family in your prayers."
According to Sergeant Eric Mistretta of the Acworth Police, there was no immediate threat directed at any specific individual. "The threat stated she wanted to shoot up the school. There was no direct threat made to any particular person or teacher," Sgt. Mistretta told FOX 5 Atlanta. The police also confirmed that no weapons or suspicious items were discovered on Sever's person or anywhere on campus.
In the aftermath of the incident, law enforcement officials emphasize the importance of earnest communication between parents and their children regarding the severe repercussions of making social media threats. "Every time we receive a threat like this on Snapchat or any social media we do look into it and investigate very thoroughly, and consequences will be taken against any kind of threats if they're joking or not joking," Sgt. Mistretta conveyed to the public, as detailed by FOX 5 Atlanta.
The Acworth Police Department has made it known that all threats issued over social media are taken with the utmost seriousness, and they are urging parents to converse openly with their children about the consequences of such online behavior. The department invites anyone with additional information on this case to reach out by calling (770) 974-1232, according to the statement released and reported by Atlanta News First.
