Two students suspended after false threat of mass violence at Whiteville High School

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — A reported threat of mass violence at Whiteville High School led to the suspension of two students Monday after an anonymous tip suggested a student may be planning an attack with an AR-15.

However, an investigation by the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office later revealed the report was a prank.

According to the sheriff’s office, the tip was received through the “Say Something” app and was relayed to a School Resource Officer at the high school by 911 dispatchers. The student named in the report was located in the school gym and detained. A second student, believed to be involved in submitting the tip, was also detained.

Both students were frisked and searched, but no weapons were found. Additional deputies and supervisors responded to the scene, and interviews were conducted.

The sheriff’s office says the investigation determined that the threat had been submitted as a prank within a group chat. One student admitted to sending the report as a joke, while the other had knowledge of the prank but did not report it.

The students involved have been suspended pending further investigation, and the Department of Juvenile Justice has been contacted for further consultation.

The sheriff’s office confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to students or staff at Whiteville High School.

The case remains under investigation.