INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A number of threats targeting school campuses is currently under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office, deputies said.
“We know many students and parents are anxious in wake of last week’s tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School,” said Sheriff Deryl Loar in a statement. “We assure you that we are working hard to protect our most vulnerable asset, the children of our community. Criminal prosecution and school discipline will be sought for those who disrupt school functions.”
For the past two days, deputies received tips from students, parents and concerned citizens regarding threats on school campuses. The heightened awareness comes a week after a mass shooting at a high school in Parkland where a gunman killed 17 people injured others.
For local schools, the nature of the threats and the number of school campuses involved were not immediately available.
The threats are being taken seriously, investigated thoroughly and followed up on, deputies said. No arrests were made by Wednesday afternoon. But, some threats have led to school discipline up to expulsion.
Deputies said social media was a popular platform for the threats, but further information was not available. Deputies encourage parents to monitor the social media accounts of their children.
The School District has 27 schools, each of which has a safety committee that conducts drills for emergency situations, according to spokeswoman Cristen McMillan.
Sheriff’s spokesman Eric Flowers said there are two school resource officers at every high school and one school resource officer at every middle school. The Sheriff’s Office also sends a D.A.R.E deputy to visit the local elementary schools.
No further information was immediately available.