Mt. Juliet police say a threat of violence aimed at West Wilson Middle School came in Tuesday evening through an automated message, and officers are not treating it lightly. The department has moved to beef up security at schools across the city, assigning more personnel to school-response duties and stepping up visible patrols in school zones.
Police ramp up citywide school patrols
According to the Mt. Juliet Police Department, the automated threat prompted the agency to "significantly increase" its operational posture at every school within city limits. That includes a stronger on-campus law enforcement presence and additional officers specifically assigned to school response. "The safety of our community is our highest priority. Protecting our children remains at the forefront of everything we do," the department said in its statement.
How the threat came in and who was notified
As reported by WSMV, the threat was delivered through an automated call that was answered by the department's Advanced Response Communications Center. After the message came through, the Wilson County Sheriff's Office and the Tennessee Department of Homeland Security were notified. Investigators are working with partner agencies to determine how credible the threat is and where it originated.
Potential charges under state law
Police are reminding the public that making threats of violence is a serious criminal offense that will be thoroughly investigated. Under Tennessee law, threats of mass violence on school property fall under TCA §39-16-517. The statute makes a reckless threat a Class E felony and allows courts to order restitution for disruption, according to Tennessee Code.
What parents and residents should do
The Mt. Juliet Police Department said West Wilson Middle School leadership has communicated with students, staff and families about the situation. Officers will continue working alongside School Resource Officers from the Wilson County Sheriff's Office as the investigation moves forward. Anyone with information is asked to call the Mt. Juliet Police Department at 615-754-2550 or the Tennessee Department of Homeland Security tip line at 877-250-2333, the department said.
No arrests have been announced, and the inquiry remains active as detectives trace the origin of the automated message. Officials are urging residents to stay alert, report suspicious behavior and expect an increased law-enforcement presence around local schools while the investigation continues.
