FORT DEFIANCE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – After remaining inside until the conclusion of an investigation, activities and schedules resumed as normal for the morning after the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office investigated a threat to the Fort Defiance High and Middle School complex. Shortly before school started Thursday morning, the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office began investigating “a call for service regarding chatter of a possible organized attack of Fort Defiance High School”. Out of an abundance of caution, the sheriff’s office deployed additional personnel to the campus complex and determined shortly after there is no credible threat to any of the Augusta County schools, students, or staff.
A school system statement says “the Augusta County Public Schools will handle this as a personnel matter. The physical and emotional safety of our students and staff is our highest priority.” They say the investigation is concluded and the sheriff’s office will be reviewing the case with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to see if charges are appropriate.
They’re also alerting the public about a large presence of police, fire, and rescue vehicles and personnel Thursday at Clymore Elementary School. That’s all part of a previously scheduled 9/11 ceremony that has participation from first responder agencies and military members.
“Increased presence of first responders in the area should be expected and is part of this planned event,” according to an Augusta schools social media post.
There is no evidence they’re related, but this incident happened as both Virginia State in Ettrick and Hampton universities have received threats that have locked down those campuses. As of 10 a.m., Virginia State alerted the community they received a threat and out of an abundance of caution, they were still on lockdown and the campus is closed for Thursday. Click here for the VSU updates.
Hampton University “has received notice of a potential threat and has ceased all non-essential activity, effective immediately”. “All campus activities and classes are cancelled Thursday, September 11 and Friday, September 12, to include all athletic events and activities.”
“All students who are on campus are encouraged to minimize their movement across campus except for essential activities. Students residing off-campus should not come to campus at this time. All non-essential personnel, including faculty and staff, should evacuate campus immediately. Enhanced security measures are now in effect across campus.” Click here for full information.
