Police do security sweep, Carolina Forest High School operating as normal after series of threats
CAROLINA FOREST, S.C. (WBTW) — Carolina Forest High School was operating on a normal schedule Friday morning following a series of bomb threats and a “swatting” incident that led Horry County authorities to conduct a security sweep of the building before classes resumed.
A threat called into Horry County authorities Thursday night was the third one directed toward the school since a “threatening phone call” on Wednesday that led to students being evacuated. All of the threats have been hoaxes, authorities said.
“Additional police officers will also be on and around the campus throughout the day — we hope this will bring some comfort in light of these challenges and ensure a smooth transition into the weekend,” Horry County Schools spokesman Lisa Bourcier said after Thursday night’s threat. “We realize these incidents have caused frustration to our students, their parents, and our staff. Please understand that we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to maintain a safe environment for everyone.”
The threat received Thursday night by Horry County police came on the heels of one earlier in the day that authorities said was traced to an internet server in India. That incident began with a bomb threat at the school and was followed by nearly simultaneous calls to Myrtle Beach and Horry County 911 dispatchers about an active shooter in the school.
The server identified in the threat was also linked to another threat on Thursday in the Midwest, an Horry County police spokesperson said.
Authorities also said Thursday that they were aware of “additional misinformation in the community surrounding the incident.” Some of that information claimed that there was a real threat to safety, police said. However, it appears to have been generated by Artificial Intelligence programs and shared via social media.
Following Thursday afternoon’s threat, school officials said they planned to increase nighttime security at the school.
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Dennis Bright is a Digital Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.
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Adriana Cotero is News13’s weekend evening anchor and a morning reporter. She joined the team in July 2023 after working in the island of Guam. Adriana is from Saline, Michigan, and graduated from Central Michigan University. Follow Adriana on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram and read more of her work here.
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Taylor Ford is a digital journalist for News13. She joined the News13 team in January 2023. Taylor is a Florence native and covers the Pee Dee out of News13’s Florence Bureau. Read more of Taylor’s work here.
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