RESERVE, La. (WGNO) — Another threat of violence was reported against East St. John High School in Reserve on Friday, Dec. 15.
According to the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, it was a bomb threat that was made in the form of a call.
Leaders with St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools confirm students were transitioned to a safe location. There was also an increased police presence at the school as an investigation began.
In less than a month three school threats have been made at East St. John High School, leaving cars full of loved ones worried about their wellbeing.
“It’s very scary to have those threats are the school. I just came to pick up my sister. I hope it comes to an end but like I said it should be taken very seriously,” says a family member of a student.
Deputies say they’re still investigating the incidents, as this comes just two days after another threat was made against the same school. Out of an abundance of caution, the school was put on lockdown, but was lifted when that threat was deemed not credible.
On Nov. 17, the school was also closed after a student allegedly threatened a shooting. Sheriff Mike Tregre said a 17-year-old boy admitted to making the threat because he was angry for being disciplined by the school for a previous matter but had no intentions on carrying it out.
Dillard Professor Dr. Ashraf Esmail explains school threats have increased across the country, and even if it’s a fake, you can’t take the risk that they are not.
“The safety of our young people in these schools obviously becomes the utmost importance. When you’re shutting down a school three times this month that’s obviously not a good sign and it becomes very worrisome. If I’m a parent I am very worried,” says Dr. Esmail.
Yet another family member says the threats were a usual occurrence at the school during her time. However, her sister attends now and is in a wheelchair, and when threats like this are made her fear level rises.
“Since I’ve been going to school, I graduated in 2020. The only thing they really say is they need to get her out of this school. So I don’t really know,” says a family member of a student.
When will this trend end?
Dr. Esmail explains it is hard to put a date on it.
“You really can’t control it because everybody has access to Facebook and media and Instagram. As soon as something is posted people see it and it causes chaos. All we can do is take precautions,” says Dr. Esmail.
Saint John the Baptist Parish Public Schools says the safety of their school children is the priority and they will take all such threats seriously.
Friday’s threat marks the third threat in one month at the school.
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