UPDATE: 2/22 AT 6:28 A.M. ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)— Roanoke City Public School (RCPS) officials have announced that all schools will be closed on Thursday, Feb. 22 due to circulating social media threats.
Detectives with the Roanoke Police Department began investigating the credibility of the threats and are working with social media companies.
As the investigation continues, school officials have decided that all classes will be canceled and there will be no after-school activities on Thursday. However, the district says all 12-month employees are required to report on time.
RCPS is encouraging parents and guardians to monitor their children’s social media and talk to them about the consequences of making threats.
“Actual threats or jokes about threats will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary actions and may be punishable by law. The safety and security of our students and staff is always our top priority,” said RCPS in a release.
WFXR News will continue to update this story as more information is released.
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ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)—The Roanoke Police Department has been made aware of anonymous threats against several Roanoke City Public Schools.
According to the police department, detectives immediately began an investigation into these threats and the circumstances behind them with full cooperation and support from the Roanoke City Public Schools.
At this point, detectives have not found there to be any credibility to these threats. However, the police department always takes these threats seriously and is committed to holding those who threaten school safety in our community accountable for their actions.
The police department will have an increased presence at several Roanoke schools on Thursday out of an abundance of caution.
This remains an active investigation. WFXR News will update this story as further information is available.
