MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Chaos erupted as parents tried to make a mad dash to pick up their kids at Southwind High School amid a district-wide lockdown Wednesday.
Tension escalated to the point where a parent was detained by police.
Parents criticized Memphis Shelby County Schools after receiving late notice that their child’s school had been placed on lockdown.
School superintendent says Southwind threat prompted lockdowns
“I got the message real late,” said Shannon Johnson, mother of a Southwind student. “I didn’t get a call and message until probably after like 11 o’clock.”
Shannon Johnson says she is not alone.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools sent out a note saying they were aware of a threat to several schools. While deputies investigated, the district asked parents not to show up at their child’s school.
“I am upset, they talking about taking these kids’ phone. No, they should not take they phones,” said Tawanda Taylor, mother of a student. “It’s too much.”
MSCS said that more than one school received threats. Southwind High School was one of the first to receive a threat via the phone while Whitehaven High School received social media threats.
Schools dismiss after day of lockdowns, threats
Kyndra Robinson was picking up her little brother. She said Wednesday’s events hit too close to home.
“My former school in Baltimore just got shot up and a boy died, and I just keep thinking of my brother. He’s 14, and has dreams and I just want the best for him,” she said.
Her brother Julis Robinson, a freshman, described what it was like inside the school.
“I was sitting behind the teacher’s desk where the door was. I tried to get as far away as possible for my safety and my friends followed behind me,” he said.
Julius says while the incident was terrifying, he’s glad no one was hurt.
“I just kept praying to God and just by the grace of God we are all safe,” he said.
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