Rockdale County Public Schools under lockdown for second day after threats

ROCKDALE COUNTY –The Rockdale County Public Schools district is under lockdown for the second consecutive day. The action follows Monday’s lockdown after the Rockdale County’s Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation and identified two students responsible for a threat at a local high school.

The high school under threat has been identified as Heritage High School in social media posts. The posts on social media were graphic, citing a “shooting plan” that allegedly was to be executed. 

The Rockdale Sheriff’s Office stated that precautionary measures to protect students and faculty included additional security implanted at all high and middle schools across Rockdale. However, elementary schools also were placed on a “soft lockdown” on Monday, Feb. 24, as well as today, Feb. 25.  Notifications sent to parents early this morning stated in part: 

“Good morning, parents,

 Please be aware that we are going to continue implementing a soft lockdown today to limit traffic in and out of the building. Again, this is out of an abundance of caution after one of our high schools received safety threats on social media….”

The Rockdale Sheriff’s Office posted the following announcement on Feb. 24:

“On February 19, 2025, the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) was alerted of a social media post threatening the safety of a local high school during their winter break. In response, RCSO launched an immediate investigation and identified two students responsible for the initial threat.

On February 23, 2025, RCSO received reports of two additional social media posts threatening the same high school. These new threats are currently under investigation.

As a precautionary measure, additional security has been implemented at all high and middle schools across Rockdale County.

The RCSO is continuing to work closely with local schools to ensure the safety of students and staff.” 

The RCSO issued the following statement on Tuesday at 3:39 p.m.:

“Parents, please be advised that threats made against the school system, whether through social media, text messages, letters, or verbal statements, are not considered jokes or pranks. These actions are taken very seriously and will continue to be treated as such.

If your child is found responsible for making any threat, they will face criminal charges and potential arrest.

This will not only result in serious consequences for your child but will also cause significant disruption to your daily routine. Under Georgia Code § 51-2-3, parents will be held accountable for the actions of their child.

Keeping students safe is our number one priority. We will continue to work closely with the school system to ensure a secure environment for everyone.

We urge you to discuss with your child/children the gravity of making threats and the severe impact it can have on everyone involved, including you, the parents.”