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Kershaw County sheriff and Camden police chief say online school threats lack credible evidence; warn of disciplinary and criminal consequences
Summary
Kershaw County Sheriff Lee Bone and Camden Police Chief Jack Rushing told the public that investigations into online threats against local schools found no credible evidence or weapons on district property and warned that students or parents who spread false threats could face school discipline or criminal charges.
KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — Kershaw County Sheriff Lee Bone and Camden Police Chief Jack Rushing said Wednesday that recent online rumors of violence to local schools have been investigated and that authorities found no credible evidence or weapons on school property.
“Although there is no credible evidence to support these threats or rumors, we have thoroughly investigated each one,” Chief Jack Rushing said, adding, “To date, there have been no weapons discovered on any Kershaw County School District property.”
The briefing, introduced by a county presenter, said law enforcement and the school district have worked together to follow up on reports this week. Rushing said students who make threats or who spread false rumors will face immediate disciplinary consequences that “may include suspensions or recommendations of expulsion.”
Sheriff Lee Bone reiterated that finding and warned that, where appropriate, “your local law enforcement agencies can and will make charges against students or parents who spread this misinformation.” He also cautioned that sharing unverified information on social media or group messaging “can lead to misinformation and further anxiety among our school family and our community.”
Officials urged parents and students with any information about potential threats to contact a local law enforcement agency or school administration directly. The presenter closed the statement by reaffirming that the safety of students and staff is the top priority and thanking the community for its support as agencies continue to work together.
No formal charges, arrests or specific disciplinary actions were announced at the briefing.
What happens next: Officials said investigations are ongoing and encouraged anyone with relevant information to report it to police or school officials so inquiries can continue and any appropriate discipline or prosecution can proceed.
