Authorities are investigating a school shooting threat that was made earlier in the week.
Moore County Schools on Tuesday afternoon released a statement about the threat.
“This morning, we became aware that a local business received an anonymous threat call regarding a potential school shooting,” said Moore County Schools Communication Director Charles Batchelor in a statement to Sandhills Sentinel. “The call did not specify a particular school or time. As a precautionary measure, our campuses have had an increased presence of local law enforcement in collaboration with the Moore County Schools Police. The threat is under investigation. We will continue to operate on a normal schedule today.”
On Thursday, Southern Pines Police Department released a statement about the incident.
“On January 16, 2024, a local gun shop received a phone call from an unknown caller using a number not from this area,” said Southern Pines Police Deputy Chief Charles Campbell in a statement to Sandhills Sentinel. “The caller told the business owner that he wanted to shoot up a school but provided no further details before hanging up. The Southern Pines Police Department has been working with local, state, and federal partners to identify the source of this call. Although a specific school was never mentioned, Moore County Schools Police and other local agencies were notified of the incident. Overt and covert patrols have been increased at public and private schools. At this time, there is no actionable or credible information supporting this threat. The investigation into the identity and location of the caller is ongoing. The Southern Pines Police Department asks the community to be alert and vigilant and to report any suspicious persons, vehicles or activity.”
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