Sevierville Police Investigating School Shooting Posts on Social Media

The City of Sevierville issued a statement Sunday regarding an investigation into reports of school shooting related posts on social media.

The Sevierville Police Department is aware of several recent local reports of suspicious statements and social media activity regarding school shootings. SPD investigators have been working with the Sevier County Sheriffs Office, Sevier County School System and the Attorney General’s Office  to vigorously investigate each of these reports. Numerous interviews have been conducted and no credible or active threats have been identified.

In one instance, SPD School Resource Officers were notified late last week of a suspicious social media account that had allegedly been created by a Sevier County High School student. Investigators and school officials quickly identified a 17-year old student who was subsequently charged with harassment. The social media account he apparently created contained no threats of violence and investigators do not feel there is any reason to believe this was or is a potential safety concern.

The SPD asks our community to remain vigilant, report concerns to the appropriate law enforcement agency, and remember that we will work together to keep our students and all residents safe.

– Bob Stahlke, Professional Services and Public Information Officer