LEEDS, Ala. (WIAT) -- Leeds High School Resource Officers sprang into action Thursday morning after they were made aware of a threatening social media post made by a student.
According to Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin, that student is a sophomore, was taken into custody, and charged with making a terroristic threat.
"To this student, this appeared to be a joke, but this wasn't a joke," said Chief Irwin. "I think that this student was very disturbed and had a conflict with other students and was very troubled and definitely need some counseling and hopefully that student can overcome this."
Chief Irwin said the student has been removed from Leeds City Schools, a decision he said is necessary.
"We're going to prosecute someone who makes a threat. Not only after what happened yesterday but the things that have occurred since Columbine," said Chief Irwin.
Former Leeds High School student Cortlyn Brown said hearing about this threat a day after a shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia that killed four and injured dozens is unsettling.
"The kids in this country shouldn't be scared of walking into school," said Brown. "Leeds' is such a small community and hearing those threats even reaching us it's really sad."
With the student now removed from the school system, Zach White is one parent who feels at ease.
"Those in power are doing what they need to to try to make preparations for when these things happen and how to respond, so I feel like they are taking these things seriously," said White.
Chief Irwin said there is no further threat and the police department will have extra safety precautions in place at the school.