Students at East Jackson High School were evacuated yesterday following a bomb threat that was later confirmed to be a hoax. According to the details of a letter sent to families obtained by the publication, a written threat was found, prompting school officials, in coordination with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, to investigate and arrange for a dismissal from the school's stadium, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.
The search of the school, involving seven bomb dogs, led by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, ensured that all students were safely off campus by 3:30 p.m. Around 4:15 p.m., the sheriff's office confirmed that the school had been cleared of any threats. In a statement retrieved by FOX 5 Atlanta, the office expressed the need for families to understand the gravity of these situations, stating, "Parents, please discuss the serious nature of this type of activity. We do not take it lightly."
Further information from an Atlanta News First report added that after the evacuation, principal Matt Stratemeyer communicated to parents that the threat was specific to the safety of the school. Jackson County Sheriff Kevin McCook praised the swift and orderly actions of the students, parents, and faculty in a statement, "We are thankful for today’s outcome, but the investigation is ongoing to determine the responsible party. I must commend the students, parents and faculty/staff of East Jackson High for the quick and orderly evacuation. I know such events are incredibly stressful to all involved," McCook told Atlanta News First.
The authorities are currently focused on identifying the individual responsible for the written threat.
