Brief lockdowns occurred this morning (Friday) at Franklinton High School and Mount Hermon School.
Officials stressed that the lockdowns were an abundance of caution. Nothing occurred at either school that was a direct threat to students.
Reports said that a social media post of a gun in a backpack and a mention of Franklinton High School was related to last night's vote by the Washington Parish School Board to move junior high and high school students from Mount Hermon School to Franklinton Junior High and Franklinton High. However, the social media post was apparantly intended as a hoax.
Officials said that at no time were any students in immediate danger. As Franklinton High School explained in a statement, "We were made aware by law enforcement of a social media post circulating this morning that tagged/named our school. We want to clarify that the student referenced in that post is not a student at our school. Out of an abundance of caution, we briefly implemented a lockdown while law enforcement verified information and ensured the safety of our campus. At no time were our students or staff in immediate danger. The situation has been addressed. The lockdown has been lifted and normal operations have resumed."
The lockdown at Mount Hermon School was also lifted and nothing occurred at that school either.
Law enforcment officials said an investigation into the incident was continuing. Because the hoax required immediate emergency responses at both Franklinton High and Mount Hermon School, charges are possible.
