RCSD investigating Blythewood hoax threat, no active shooter

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is at the scene of Blythewood High School after reports of a gunshot. Investigators secured the school. RCSD said there is no active shooter and is advising the public to avoid the area.

Sheriff Leon Lott said students and staff at Blythewood followed their safety procedures, “They did a great job.” Lott said this hoax may be linked to a TikTok challenge and that other schools across the state were threatened with similar hoaxes. He explained that the phone call was spoofed and used a program to appear like it was coming from inside the school.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said they believe the threats to be a hoax, but they encourage each investigating agency to take all threats seriously.

Lott said the FBI was assisting with the investigation, “We got the resources of the federal government that’s going to help us out too.”

Attorney General Alan Wilson tweeted that he is disgusted by the recent reports of fake active shooter situations in the state’s schools.

Dr. Baron R. Davis, the Richland Two Superintendent said support will be available for students. Davis asked parents that are concerned about their child’s mental health to reach out to the district to connect with professionals.

Administrators from the R2 school district released a statement on the incident,

“This morning law enforcement responded to a call from an unknown caller that shots had been fired on the Blythewood High School campus. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department responded immediately. The school was placed on lockdown while law enforcement searched the building. RCSD has determined the call was one of three hoax calls made to South Carolina schools this morning. There is no evidence of any gunfire or injuries at the school.”

RCSD said there is no active shooter. The reunification site for families was moved to the visitor’s side of the school football stadium at around noon.

Multiple schools across the state also reported threats Wednesday morning.

• Police: ‘Possible emergency situation’ at Burke High School confirmed to be hoax
• Beaufort Co. Sheriff’s Office responds to report of shots fired at Beaufort High, no victims found
• Reported shootings at multiple Horry County schools a hoax, police say

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