GREENBRIER, Ark. – A 13-year-old student has been arrested for allegedly making a violent threat against Greenbrier Junior High School, authorities reported.
According to the Greenbrier Police Department, the suspect is an eighth-grade student at the school. The arrest followed reports from students who overheard the teen stating his intention to “shoot up the school.”
In response to the incident, Greenbrier Public Schools released a statement, confirming that the threat was made on Friday, September 13. The district’s statement read:
“During the school day today, a student made the statement, ‘I am going to shoot up the school.’ The School Resource Officer was notified immediately, and safety protocols were followed. The student has been arrested and removed from campus by local police. The school district will continue cooperating with the Greenbrier Police Department. Thank you for your continued support.”
The student now faces a charge of terroristic threatening in connection with the alleged threat. Greenbrier Police Chief Gene Earnhart also noted that several other students were sent home for sharing a separate threatening post. However, these individuals were not charged.
This incident is part of a troubling trend across Arkansas, with at least 10 students arrested recently for making threats against schools. Among the latest arrests are a 12-year-old in Bryant and a 13-year-old in Little Rock, both accused of making similar threats against middle schools.
Authorities are dealing with a series of threats that have disrupted schools across the state. Earlier this week, students in the Russellville School District, Bryant School District, eStem Public Charter Schools, and Little Rock School District were arrested after being accused of making threats.
Local police departments and school districts, including Little Rock, have emphasized swift action and serious repercussions for students who make threats, whether they are genuine or intended as pranks.
