SLED: 21 juveniles facing charges connected to making school threats in South Carolina this month

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – Nearly two dozen juveniles have been charged in South Carolina for making school threats this month. That state’s top law enforcement agency is now warning that you could face serious charges for making school threats.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Agency said it was aware of more than 60 threats that targeted schools throughout 23 counties since September 4.

Many of the threats were shared between students through social media or other messaging apps.

“These threats are extremely serious and will be treated as such,” said Renée Wunderlich, SLED’s director of public information.

After learning about the threats, law enforcement officials worked to secure schools and find those responsible. Wunderlich said that work is ongoing.

So far, 21 juveniles have been charged in connection with the school threats in South Carolina.

A student in Berkeley County was charged last week after a social media post threatening to “shoot up” a middle school was circulated. The 12-year-old juvenile was charged with ‘student threats’ and ‘unlawful communication.’

“School threats are not a joke,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “Law enforcement takes every threat seriously, and everyone needs to understand that there are serious consequences.”

The agency’s behavioral science unit has been requested to help six school threat investigations, each in a different county. SLED is also working with local law enforcement and state and federal partners.

Anyone who has information regarding a school threat should report the information immediately to local law enforcement or call 911 if there is an emergency.