Former Student Charged With Making Online Threats

A former student in Georgia faces charges for threatening Pope and Walton High School students with a “hit list,” raising concerns about school safety.

At a Glance

A juvenile ex-student was arrested for allegedly making social media threats against two Cobb County high schools.
The suspect is charged with terroristic threats and disruption of public school operations.
The threat included a “hit list” targeting students, a staff member, and a school resource officer.
Over 75 false threats have been reported since a deadly shooting at Apalachee High School on September 4.
Authorities urge students and parents to use the district’s tip line to report concerns.

Former Student Arrested for “Hit List” Threat

Law enforcement officials in Cobb County, Georgia, have taken swift action against a former student who allegedly made threats against two local high schools. The juvenile suspect was arrested following an investigation into a social media post containing a “hit list” that targeted students at Pope and Walton High Schools, as well as a staff member and a school resource officer.

The Cobb County Police Department, working in collaboration with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), conducted a thorough investigation after receiving multiple tips about the threatening list. As a result of their efforts, the former student now faces serious charges, including making terroristic threats and disrupting the operation of a public school.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation helped the Cobb County police arrest a suspect accused of posting a “hit list” on social media that named specific students from Walton and Pope high schools. https://t.co/2qRZIoh5yn

— FOX 5 Atlanta (@FOX5Atlanta) October 31, 2024

Ongoing Concerns About School Safety

This incident comes amid heightened concerns about school safety in Georgia. Since a tragic shooting at Apalachee High School on September 4, the school system has been inundated with over 75 reported threats. While these threats have been investigated and found to be non-credible, they have nonetheless created a climate of anxiety among students and parents.

“While they have been investigated and not found to be credible threats, they do create anxiety in students and parents and cost a lot of time for staff and police,” a spokesperson said.

The continuous stream of threats, even when unfounded, has placed a significant burden on school staff and law enforcement, who must investigate each report thoroughly. This not only consumes valuable resources but also disrupts the educational environment and creates unnecessary stress within the school community.

Community Response and Preventive Measures

In response to these ongoing challenges, the Cobb County School District is emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and proactive reporting. The district has established a tip line as a vital tool for students and parents to report any concerns they may have regarding school safety.

“We continue to ask students and parents to use the district’s tip line to report concerns, as the fastest and best way to support their child’s safety,” the school spokesperson said.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences that await those who make threats against schools, regardless of their intent. The rapid response and coordination between local law enforcement and the GBI demonstrate the authorities’ commitment to taking all threats seriously and acting swiftly to protect students and staff.

Looking Forward

As the case against the former student proceeds through the legal system, schools across Georgia remain vigilant. The incident underscores the ongoing need for open communication between students, parents, and school authorities to maintain a safe learning environment. It also highlights the importance of educating young people about the severe repercussions of making threats, even if they are not intended to be carried out.

The Cobb County School District continues to work closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety of all students and staff. As the community moves forward, the focus remains on fostering a secure and supportive educational atmosphere where students can learn without fear and parents can feel confident in their children’s safety.