Updated Sept. 9, 2024, at 7:25 p.m.
CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman City Schools operated “under heightened awareness” Monday due to a possible threatening social media post. The situation is still being investigated; however, Cullman City Schools, the City of Cullman and Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker shared the following statements:
According to Cullman City Schools, “A person reached out to the local police dispatch regarding an alleged social media post that claimed there was a threat made toward Cullman High School, though the screenshot of the post was reportedly deleted before it could be viewed by police investigators. But out of an abundance of caution we are in a state of heightened awareness at Cullman High School, and we have an enhanced police presence on and around all of our campuses.
“We are taking every precaution to ensure student and faculty safety, with extra security precautions in place, police officers on campus, as well as limited movement protocols where applicable for students and staff. Law enforcement will continue to closely patrol our campuses, as well.”
At the time, the City of Cullman said in a statement: “Due to a possible threatening social media post, Cullman Police Department officers are on site at Cullman High School. Officers are assessing the situation and have set up a secure perimeter as an additional safety precaution. CPD will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.”
When asked for a statement, Crocker said, “I can’t make a comment on this directly before anyone has been arrested or more information is available. But the charge of making a terrorist threat has to be a credible threat to cause disruption or evacuation. This is an ongoing investigation. My office will be working closely with our police and school officials to protect our students.”
Crocker added that with this charge the difference is seeing if someone does show up or take steps to follow through with the threat, which usually distinguishes whether it’s a credible threat or not, and you see if there are steps made to actually carry it out rather than an idle statement.
“This is an ongoing investigation,” he said. “My office will be working closely with our police and school officials to protect our students.”
