High school in Columbia targeted in threat, more security measures in place, officials say
A high school in Columbia was targeted in a threat, prompting extra security measures to be put in place Thursday, South Carolina officials said.
Threatening graffiti written in a bathroom stall was discovered at Irmo High School, the school’s principal Dr. Kaaren Hampton said in a Thursday morning letter to parents of students. Lexington-Richland District 5 officials shared a copy of the principal’s letter with The State.
The threat is being investigated by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.
Irmo High is in a part of Columbia that’s in Lexington County, near the intersection of St. Andrews Road and Harbison Boulevard.
As an added precaution, there is an increased visible presence of deputies, on and around the campus Thursday, sheriff’s department spokesman Capt. Adam Myrick told The State.
Additionally, students entered Irmo High School through its OpenGate weapon detection screening system “to provide an extra layer of security,” Hampton said in the letter.
“Safety and security is the number one priority at Irmo High School and throughout School District Five, and all threats are taken seriously,” Hampton said.
The swift response occurred after school administrators received a STOPit app report late Wednesday night about the threat, according to Hampton.
Although no one could confirm when it was written, the image of a threat scrawled on a wall circulated among students in group chats and on social media, according to Myrick.
“Multiple students told us they didn’t know any details about the image that was being shared, including where it came from or where it was located,” Myrick said.
Despite the limited details, the extra security measures were put in place out of an abundance of caution, according to Myrick.
“We encourage all students and staff on campus to continue to report any concerns to a trusted adult or using the STOPit app,” Hampton said.
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