TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) -- The Tuscaloosa Police Department announced Saturday a 13-year-old student is charged in connection to a social media post threatening violence against Eastwood Middle School students.
The criminal investigations and cyber intelligence divisions at the department were alerted to the Facebook post Friday that was widely shared. Police questioned the 13-year-old student Saturday morning. The student is charged with making terroristic threats.
Tuscaloosa police stated its dispatchers received calls from parents and other people who were concerned about the post Friday. TPD's administrators, threat assessment team and school resource officers worked with Tuscaloosa City Schools personnel for the safety of students and staff in relation to the post.
“Parents should never be afraid to send their children to school, and children should never
feel unsafe when they’re there,” said Tuscaloosa Chief Brent Blankley in a statement. “We’re grateful to those who reported this quickly so we could address it and ensure a safe learning environment for the students. Our partnership with Tuscaloosa City Schools and the community is crucial for maintaining safety in our schools."
Schools in Birmingham and Calera were placed on high alert during the week after receiving apparent threats, per law enforcement.