Buckeye Local JR/SR High School Lockdown: Menacing Threat on Snapchat Prompts Immediate Response from School Officials and Law Enforcement
In a distressing incident, Buckeye Local JR/SR High School in Dillonvale, Ohio, was placed on lockdown after receiving a menacing threat through Snapchat. The threat, which circulated across various social media platforms, warned of a potential violent attack targeting students in grades 6 through 8.
The threatening Snapchat message alarmed the community with its explicit language and detailed targets. It read: “Nobody knows me but we’re shooting up the Buckeye Local. We aren’t lying this time and we’re gonna hurt everyone. We have main targets on the 6th, 7th, 8th grade. We’re going to the elementary next. This is not a drill. We’re coming some day this week.”
The specificity and ominous tone of the message raised significant concerns about the safety of students and staff. School officials and law enforcement responded immediately, implementing a “soft lockdown” to protect the school community while investigating the credibility of the threat.
The lockdown restricted access to and from the school buildings while allowing students and staff to remain inside. All external doors were locked, with only law enforcement permitted entry or exit. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department was promptly notified, and an investigation was launched to trace the origins of the threatening message.
Local law enforcement, supported by the FBI’s cybercrime unit, began working to identify the sender and assess the legitimacy of the threat. The challenge was complicated by the anonymity of Snapchat, a platform known for its disappearing messages.
The threat generated widespread fear and anxiety among parents, students, and staff. Parents were initially informed through a social media notice from the school district, which confirmed the lockdown and explained its cause. Many parents reacted with alarm, some choosing to remove their children from school, while others anxiously awaited updates.
Students inside the school experienced a mix of fear, confusion, and disbelief. The targeted grades—6th, 7th, and 8th—added to the anxiety, as students and parents grappled with the reality of a potential attack on their school. Teachers and administrators worked to maintain a calm environment, following lockdown protocols and reassuring students of their safety.
The investigation continues, with law enforcement agencies intensifying their presence around Buckeye Local High School. Deputies from the Jefferson County
