Student, 12, charged after making threat on social media against Berkeley Middle School

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCBD) – A student has been charged after a social media post was circulated with a threat to “shoot up” a Berkeley County school.

The Moncks Corner Police Department said it was made aware on September 9 of an online post that indicated a shooting was going to happen at Berkeley Middle School.

An investigation was launched immediately and a juvenile at the school who created and shared the threat was identified, according to Capt. Lee Mixon.

Police say the juvenile, 12, has been charged with ‘student threats’ and ‘unlawful communication.’

The student was released to their parents due to their age and must appear in family court. The student was also suspended from the school pending a disciplinary hearing.

“The diligent work of our detectives, school resource officers, and the cooperation of the Berkeley County School District was instrumental in determining this threat as a hoax and identifying the involved juvenile,” said Chief Steve Young with the Moncks Corner Police Department. “Students and parents should be aware that all threats against a school are taken seriously, and anyone involved in communicating such threats will be prosecuted according to the law.”

“We appreciate the swift response and thorough investigation conducted by BCSD Security and Emergency Management and the Moncks Corner Police Department, which led to the identification and arrest of the student responsible,” said BCSD Superintendent Dr. Anthony Dixon. “We want to assure the community that we will leverage all available local, state, and federal resources to identify and hold accountable anyone who makes unfounded, anonymous threats against school safety. Our Board and community stand united in this effort. We urge parents to discuss with their children the importance of responsible social media and cell phone use.”