ALACHUA COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), alongside local law enforcement agencies, have discredited a threat that was believed to be directed towards a Gainesville high school.
Law enforcement says the threats are deemed “not credible” and referred to a “BHS,” but did not specify any particular school.
The social media post has made its rounds nationwide with districts in states including California, Texas, and Alaska deploying extra deputies to high schools that start with the letter “B.”
“Threats directed at a BHS, without anything more specific than that, have been circulating nationwide,” said Alachua County Public Schools PIO Jackie Johnson.
According to Johnson, similar threats toward a “BHS” were made this past spring and have been circulating again this week. The FBI caught wind of the threats and decided to investigate, but found nothing linking the threats on social media to further acts of violence.
Johnson says no further precautionary measures have been taken at Buchholz High School following the threats.
“We have our very stringent security already in place, and always do,” said Johnson. “We have two resource officers on campus at all times and a security guard at the campus entrance.”
In addition, Johnson says a massive renovation project was recently done at Buchholz to “harden the facility.” She says cameras, buzzers, locked doors, and perimeter fencing are present at schools throughout the district to ensure the safety of the students.
“We encourage students and families, if they hear or see something suspicious, that they notify an adult at school immediately,” said Johnson.
If it’s outside of school hours, Johnson says they can notify law enforcement or make an anonymous report through “Fortify FL,” a statewide app where you can report suspicious activity.