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Loaded gun found at Terry Parker High, social media threat made by Mandarin Middle School student

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Two Jacksonville schools were under Code Yellow lockdown on Monday morning.

WHAT WE KNOW:
  • Mandarin Middle School was under Code Yellow lockdown Monday morning due to a social media threat made by a student.
  • Students were screened as they arrived at school on Monday.
  • The school's principal sent the following message to families:

"Good afternoon Mandarin Middle School families, this is Principal Williams calling with an update to our security situation at the school today.

"I have mixed feelings as I report that our school police department has identified the student responsible for the recent social media threat. While I am thankful that our police have succeeded in this matter and that there is no threat to our school, I am disappointed when any student faces such significant disciplinary consequences.

"The threat received constitutes a level three infraction of making a school-wide threat. This comes with an immediate suspension and referral to a hearing officer for possible placement out of Mandarin and into one of the district's disciplinary alternative schools.

"Because of the student's age, our school police will also be in conversation with the state attorney's office to determine if any further course of action is warranted.

"I know that you will be relieved to know the matter has been concluded, and our code yellow has been lifted.

"I do hope that you will use this situation to have a very important conversation with your child.

"Any kind of threat to a Duval County Public School will be taken seriously. A threat is never a joke and will have significant consequences.

"Again, thanks to the individuals that shared the post. By communicating and working together, we will always do everything we can to keep our school community safe. Thanks for your partnership in this and have a great rest of the day."

  • Terry Parker High School was placed under a Code Yellow lockdown after a loaded gun was found in a bathroom garbage on campus.
  • As a result of this incident, Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene has directed the school to implement metal detection and screening of student belongings for all students entering the campus for the remainder of the week.
  • The school's principal sent parents the following message:

"Hello Parents, this is Principal McKinney calling to follow up with you regarding the lockdown that occurred at our school today.  First, I want to express my gratitude to those students who made us aware of a possible weapon on campus today.

"I am disappointed to confirm that we did in fact have a student bring a firearm to campus. In this case, the weapon was also loaded. Once we became are of this possibility, we put the school on lockdown while police became involved in the situation.

"Thanks again to the vigilance of our students and the quick and effective responsiveness of law enforcement, our school police arrested the suspect, and he is in custody.

"Because of this incident and to ensure the safety of our campus, we will be implementing walk through metal detectors and searches of student belongings for all students as they arrive to school for the remainder of the week.

"We are also aware of a social media post suggesting another threat. It has been investigated and is not credible.

"Nonetheless, we want to take every precaution to ensure a safe campus which is why we will employ campus wide screening for the remainder of the week as we work with the district to develop other prevention efforts.

"Thank you again for your patience and support today. As always, if you have input or questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me through the school.  Thanks and I look forward to seeing your children at school tomorrow."

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