Deputies: 2 students charged after social media threat, evacuation at Hickory school

HICKORY, N.C. — Two children have been charged with circulating a threat on social media, causing a middle school in Hickory to evacuate Wednesday, deputies said.

A message was sent to families that said all students and staff members at Arndt Middle School were evacuated to the football stadium. Student bags were also left behind to be searched, out of an abundance of caution.

Deputies were called to the school, where authorities investigated the threat.

Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over the school and could see a large police presence outside. Students could also be seen gathered at the stadium.

Several hours later, Channel 9′s Dave Faherty said students were allowed back inside the school. Officials said they did not find anything inside.

The two children, who were students at the school, were charged with making a false report concerning mass violence on educational property.

No other details have been released at this point. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

Full message sent to parents and families:

“This morning, Arndt Middle School was made aware of a statement of a threatening nature made through social media, and our law enforcement partners were immediately notified. All students and staff were evacuated to the SSHS football stadium and student bags were left behind to be searched, out of an abundance of caution. Please know that we take any threat that we are made aware of seriously as the safety and well being of our students and staff is our utmost priority. We are working with our law enforcement partners to actively investigate, and we will continue to do so in order to provide a safe and secure learning environment for our students and staff. All students and staff are safe, and we kindly ask that parents do not attempt to pick up their child at this time. We will update you when new information becomes available. Thank you for entrusting us with educating your children.”

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