Several schools in Memphis-Shelby County were placed into a “soft lockdown” on Wednesday following online threats, Memphis police and MSCS confirmed.
Germantown police confirmed in a Facebook post that Germantown High School was on lockdown. The post said police were working with the SCSO and the Department of Homeland Security to “determine the legitimacy of the threat.”
Extra officers will be on duty throughout Germantown for the remainder of the day, the department said in the post.
Christopher Williams, MPD spokesman, said in an email that police and the school district are investigating and that no injuries had been reported as of noon. He referred further questions to MSCS.
It was not immediately clear which or how many schools were closed.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office also confirmed the threats against several MSCS schools via a post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
“The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Memphis Shelby County Schools and local law enforcement, is committed to ensuring the safety of all students and staff. We ask that parents do not pick up their children from schools while we investigate these threats. Your cooperation is appreciated,” the post said.
In social media posts, MSCS urged parents and guardians not to attend their child’s school “as law enforcement is actively investigating.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
