14-year-old arrested after posting threat toward Knox Schools for Sept. 11

In already anxious communities, reports are circulating on social media accounts of threats made against various school systems via Snapchat. One specific message was made public on Monday, Sept. 9, when screenshots began circulating that indicated a threat toward Knox County Public Schools, stating something would happen on September 11.

The message was interpreted as a potential threat of violence. Mayor David Thompson said his police department takes any threats against anyone seriously.

“With what’s going on in Laurel County this isn’t the time for playing games. Parents need to be aware of what their children are doing on their cell phones, but also need to explain what’s gone on in London and why they’re out of school,” Thompson said. “Kids need to talk with their parents and realize the seriousness of this.”

Barbourville Police Sergeant Adam Townsley and Knox County Public Schools School Resource Officer (SRO) Jake Knuckles began an investigation into the threat and was able to identify where it had originated from. Tracking the message from an IP address from a tablet, the source was tracked to a 14-year-old male juvenile.

The juvenile was arrested at 1:08 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10 and charged with Terroristic Threatening First Degree.

Knox County Sheriff Mike Smith stated that threats toward any school system are taken seriously and if found to be credible, will be fully prosecuted.

The investigation is ongoing by Sgt. Townsley, assisted by BPD Chief Winston Tye, KCPS SRO deputies Jake Knuckles, Mike Broughton and Pat Clouse with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.