Rumors about CHS cause panic, many students absent

Reports of threats being made at Claiborne High School Thursday morning once again caused a mild panic among students, parents and the community at large.

According to a statement from CHS principal T.J. Sewell, there were rumors concerning the safety of the school.

“Those rumors have been addressed by law enforcement and they have determined that there is no credible evidence of a threat against the school or the students,” he said in the statement. “The safety of our students is our utmost concern and will continue to be our top priority. We appreciate your cooperation and support. Thank you.”

The parking lot was virtually empty shortly after time for classes to begin, and people could be seen walking in and out of the school. Several adults could be seen escorting students out of the school, although the school was not closed.

Sewell confirmed in a phone interview that the school had never been placed on lockdown, regardless of the rumors in the community and on social media.

CHS was placed on lockdown Jan. 15 due to a reported gun threat that morning. No guns were found during the lockdown, but precautionary measures were taken by school officials and law enforcement.

The Claiborne Progress will have more information as it becomes available.

Reach Marisa Anders at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @newsgirl88.

Marisa Anders | Claiborne Progress This was the scene Thursday morning at Claiborne High School as rumors about the school’s safety ran rampant through the community and social media. The parking lot was virtually empty although the school was never placed on lockdown.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_FullSizeRender.jpgMarisa Anders | Claiborne Progress This was the scene Thursday morning at Claiborne High School as rumors about the school’s safety ran rampant through the community and social media. The parking lot was virtually empty although the school was never placed on lockdown.