For the second time in two weeks, a social media post alluding to violence on campus led Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools to ramp up security for the day. After investigation, though, the threat was deemed to not be credible.

An alert to families in the district Wednesday morning said CHCCS leaders were made aware of a social media post circulated overnight Tuesday that referenced “an act of school violence” at Carrboro, Chapel Hill and East Chapel Hill high schools. By Wednesday afternoon, police said they had identified, communicated with, and sought an arrest petition for a juvenile suspect.

“Threats against anyone in our community, credible or not, are unacceptable and we must always take them seriously,” said Chapel Hill Police Chief Celisa Lehew. “The community members who reported this, and our partnership with the school system, were essential to a quick resolution. We’re grateful for the team effort.”

Per North Carolina law regarding juveniles, law enforcement is not allowed to identify the suspect by name.

As a result of the post, CHCCS said additional police would be present along the perimeters of the high school campuses on Wednesday as law enforcement investigated. In its morning alert, the district also thanked the families who brought the social media post to the district’s attention.

The incident is just the latest in a wave of posts alleging or insinuating violence could be coming at schools in the wake of a shooting at a high school in Winder, G.A. on September 4. A 14-year-old student opened fire on his peers, killing four people and injuring nine others. CHCCS saw some of its campuses mentioned in a post last Tuesday from the Charlotte metro area that mentioned violence against several school districts, and eventually led to the arrest of two juveniles. Additionally, Orange County Schools investigated a series of “vague” social media posts with the sheriff’s office on Friday that led to additional security on campus. Neither of the incidents led to credible threats to schools’ safety, according to both districts.

Last week’s post led to CHCCS Superintendent Nyah Hamlett sharing additional information with district families about security measures and efforts when there is a threat to school safety. The post laid out standard response protocols for keeping students and staff safe in classrooms if an emergency arises, as well as updated surveillance cameras, check-in and check-out procedures for visitors, and door security. Hamlett also summarized employees’ training, student and staff report in the wake of tragic news, and how to report something suspicious to district leaders.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
CHCCS High Schools Win State Championships in Women's Lacrosse, Women's Soccer
Two local high schools each took home state championships last weekend. Chapel Hill High School took home the North Carolina 7A championship in women’s lacrosse, while Carrboro High won the 4A championship in women’s soccer. View this post on Instagram View this post on Instagram Chapel Hill High won the women’s lacrosse title, its first […]
Facing Pressures In All Directions, Orange County Commissioners Near Budget Decision
Orange County Commissioners are holding a public hearing on next year's budget Thursday, May 28, with major decisions yet to be made.
For Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, a Major Decision Looms: Which School to Close?
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools board will have to decide on June 4 whether to close Ephesus, Glenwood, or Seawell Elementary.
CHCCS Announces Leadership Changes At Carrboro High And Culbreth Middle Schools
This week, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools announced that two of its current principals will swap schools in the upcoming academic year.
Carrboro High Students Dismissed Early Due to Piedmont Electric Power Outage
More than 7,000 Piedmont Electric Cooperative customers in Orange County lost power Friday due to a transmission issue affecting substations.
Brush Fire Contained, But Still Burning in Carolina North Forest; Officials Warn of Smoky Conditions
A brush fire in the Carolina North Forest just south of Seawell Elementary School continues to burn and smolder on Thursday morning, causing smoky conditions across Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Updates from fire officials said the fire, which began Wednesday afternoon and firefighters responded to just before 4:30 p.m., is contained after an overnight effort […]
Scroggs Elementary's LaThanya Campbell Named 2026 CHCCS Teacher of the Year
Pre-kindergarten teacher LaThanya Campbell of Mary Scroggs Elementary School was named the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Teacher of the Year Thursday at the district’s annual Recognition Celebration. Campbell has worked in the district since 2021 and is also on its Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council. She has worked in education for 27 years. “As a Pre-K […]
New Studies Suggest CHCCS Close 1 Elementary School, Address Capacity Issues Through Redistricting
CHCCS school board members heard a presentation about the deeper studies conducted on criteria for closure of any three elementary schools.
Local Soccer Player, East Chapel Hill High Schooler Earns Invite to German Training Camp
Cristian Diaz Perez, a sophomore at East Chapel Hill High School, is hoping to attend an exclusive soccer camp in Germany this summer.
'Worried For Our Future': Authors React to Removal Attempt of LGBTQ+ Books from CHCCS Elementary Libraries
North Carolina legislators are pushing to remove 63 LGBTQ-themed books from CHCCS elementary schools, saying they violate state law for being available in libraries.
›