On the night of September 24, 2024, Upshur County Deputies and Gilmer Police officers responded to a report from Gilmer School personnel regarding a threat made through social media targeting Gilmer Independent School District (ISD) schools. Investigators from Upshur County interviewed individuals associated with the social media accounts linked to the threat, leading to the identification of a 13-year-old juvenile suspect. The juvenile was located and admitted to being the author of the threat, resulting in his detention at a juvenile facility in Harrison County on a charge of Terroristic Threat. The case will be forwarded to the Upshur County District Attorney.
In response to the situation, Gilmer ISD Superintendent Rick Albritton issued a statement to the community. He emphasized that the threat remains unsubstantiated and reassured parents that there is no immediate cause for alarm. Albritton outlined the district's commitment to the safety and well-being of students and staff, detailing precautionary measures taken:
- Gilmer ISD immediately notified the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, which has opened an investigation to assess the credibility of the threat.
- An increased security presence will be visible on campuses as a precautionary measure.
- The district is closely monitoring all activities and will maintain communication with law enforcement and relevant agencies.
Albritton confirmed that there would be no changes to the school day and that students are safe to be on campus. He encouraged parents to discuss the situation with their children and reassured them that the school district takes all threats seriously while striving to minimize disruption to learning.
For further inquiries or concerns, the district office can be contacted at 903-841-7400. Superintendent Albritton thanked the community for their trust and partnership in ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all students.
