All Red River Parish Schools were on “Lock Down” for Thursday, September 12. The extraordinary security measures resulted from a threat that was discovered on SnapChat.

During the School Board meeting at 9:00am Thursday, Superintendent Strong addressed the board with an explanation of what happened to cause the enhanced security. Strong said the initial post was reported to law enforcement about 1:30am Thursday morning. Notification to school officials did not come until almost 7:00am. A notification was then sent to parents to alert them of the possibility of a threat.

“We are taking the threat seriously and want to ensure the safety of all children and adults on our campuses.”

Parents who chose to pick up their children were allowed to do so, and parents who decided to have students remain at school were assured of increased safety measures for everyone.

The Superintendent then turned the explanation over to Suzanne Gallier, Security Coordinator. Gallier discussed how limited movement within and on school grounds was implemented immediately. She described how teachers and staff have been trained to work within the lockdown procedures. 

Captain Hensley with the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division also addressed the board. Hensley said that the sheriff’s office was made aware of the SnapChat post shortly after midnight. He let the board know that there had been a communication breakdown in reporting the possibility of a threat to school authorities in a timely manner. This breakdown left the school board little option in canceling school for the day.

Superintendent Strong was appreciative of the help from Sheriff Edward’s office during the day.
“We had deputies and detectives at all schools all day and they were prepared to spend all day Friday with the faculty and staff, but we have decided to have a virtual work day for everyone.”

Sources have told RRPJ that a person of interest in the threat is under investigation, and evidence is being gathered for a possible arrest.