LUMBERTON, Texas — Two Lumberton schools were put on temporary lockdowns after they received what law enforcements believed to be fake threats on Wednesday.
Lumberton ISD officials were notified by Lumberton Police about potential threats at the Lumberton High School and Lumberton Middle School campuses on Wednesday afternoon.
Out of caution, staff and students at all campuses temporarily sheltered in place. However, district officials believe the threat was a hoax, according to a district release.
All campuses have returned back to normal operations and district officials are working with law enforcement. For the remainder of the school day, police presence at LISD campuses will be increased.
Earlier in the day, Nederland High School was put on lockdown after receiving a threat police said was bogus. A caller to the school said they were going to show up and shoot up the school according to Nederland Police Chief Gary Porter.
The threat forced students and staff at Nederland High School to go on lockdown for more than an hour Wednesday morning.
All the threats are currently under investigation. Police are working to track down who is responsible and want to send a stern message to the callers.
If they are caught, they could face serious consequences.
People from both communities said they want the callers to face charges.
“They should face the consequences, but they should also reflect on their actions because they could've hurt someone, or someone they used to care about and all that. And that they'll reflect on what they do in the near future,” Luis Hernandez, Nederland resident, said.
Hernandez went to Nederland High to get his sister once they were given the all clear. He said the feeling was gut wrenching.
According to police, whoever is responsible could face hefty fines or up to two years in jail.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
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From a Lumberton ISD release:
Lumberton ISD was notified by LPD of a potential threat at LHS and LMS campuses. We sheltered in place at all campuses out of an abundance of caution. All campuses are back to normal operations and we are cooperating with law enforcement as we believe this entire incident was a hoax. We will continue to update the community with more information as it becomes available. Law enforcement will maintain a greater presence at our campuses for the remainder of the day. LISD thanks all local law enforcement for the quick response and attention to the safety of our staff and students.
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