Students at Hampton schools saw heightened security measures Wednesday morning due to threats made against the school district, officials said.
In a message sent out to the school community, officials said several Hampton schools were mentioned in anonymous online posts that threatened school shootings. At this time there is “no evidence that there is credibility” to the threats, and schools across the country were mentioned in the threatening posts.
“Even though there has been no credibility to these posts, out of an abundance of caution HPD road officers are increasing their presence today around school campuses throughout the school division,” the message states. “We have also scheduled additional weapons detection canine visits at our schools.”
Hampton schools already utilize various safety measures, such as weapons detectors, school resource officers, and surveillance systems. Anyone with knowledge of threats or concerns are encouraged to reach out to Safe School Hotline at 757-727-2255.
The threats come one day after a 15-year-old Menchville High School student was shot to death Tuesday morning as he waited at a school bus stop in southeast Newport News.
In Newport News, more law enforcement efforts were deployed at schools, but public information officer Matt Michalec said it was for added security and peace of mind. No threats were made against Newport News schools.
Eliza Noe, eliza.noe@virginiamedia.com
