'Our kids are safe': Police increase presence at schools after alleged threat at Walton High

Sierra Rains, Northwest Florida Daily News
·2 min read

DeFUNIAK SPRINGS — Police had additional security at schools throughout the city Thursday after a Walton High School student made a statement that was perceived as a school threat.

The Walton County Sheriff's Office and Walton High School officials were made aware of a "vague statement" written in the girl's bathroom Wednesday evening, according to the WCSO. The alleged threat referenced students coming to school Thursday.

Police put a stop to 'fight clubs': Walton County high school students reportedly organizing 'fight clubs' at DeFuniak Springs park

Student serves on national council: Choctaw High junior is working to end teen suicide. Now she's taking her mission national.

The incident came a day after 19 children and two teachers were shot and killed at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

"We know this comes at a horrible time for both you and your children. Everyone is scared, frustrated and overwhelmed," the WCSO said in a Facebook post. "We want you to know we take every threat to our student’s safety seriously. For good reason."

The WCSO and Walton County School District investigated the alleged threat. In a statement Wednesday, Walton High School announced that the student responsible had been identified and sent home for the remainder of the year.

"At this time, we have found no substantial threat to the students of Walton High," the statement read. "However, in an abundance of caution, we will have extra school security on campus Thursday, May 26, and we will continue to be vigilant as student safety is always our top priority."

The WCSO had additional school resource officers and guardians on campus Thursday. The Sheriff's Office also increased district patrols in the area, while the DeFuniak Springs Police Department staffed each school in the city with an officer.

“I can assure you that the threat yesterday was taken care of by the Sheriffs Office. Our kids are safe," DeFuniak Springs Police Chief James Hurley said in a video Thursday. “Their safety is our upmost concern. We want you to go to work and know that your child’s safe. That’s what we’re here for.”

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Alleged threat spurs increased police presence at DeFuniak schools