Threats Prompt Urgent Evacuations in Kentucky Schools

News Summary

In February 2024, multiple threats led to the evacuation of schools in Central Kentucky, particularly in Lexington, following alarming incidents including bomb threats at Lexington Christian Academy and Kentucky State University. The chaos originated from a threatening phone call made in South Carolina, resulting in the arrest of a suspect. Law enforcement responded promptly, ensuring safety for students and faculty while conducting thorough investigations and sweeps of the campuses, leading to increased security measures in the community.

Threats Prompt Urgent Evacuations in Kentucky Schools

In a rather unsettling turn of events earlier this month, multiple threats forced the evacuation of schools in Central Kentucky and raised alarms in nearby South Carolina. On February 2, 2024, Lexington was the epicenter of a series of frightening incidents that left both students and parents on edge as law enforcement scrambled to ensure safety.

A Disturbing Phone Call

The chaos seemed to begin in South Carolina, where a man named Michael Lee Gaskins, 56, from Appling, Georgia, allegedly made a threatening phone call directed at a public official, specifically Officer Cirencione. The call violated South Carolina’s Code of Law, leaving authorities in a state of heightened alert. Gaskins was swiftly arrested and booked into the Lexington County Detention Center, facing serious charges for threatening the life of a public official.

Schools on High Alert

While the situation in South Carolina was unfolding, back in Kentucky, two significant campuses were grappling with bomb threats. Just after 8:30 a.m., Lexington Christian Academy’s Rose Campus was evacuated, followed closely by Kentucky State University in Frankfort, which had received its bomb threat around 8:20 a.m. Students were moved to safe locations, with no injuries reported, which is a small blessing amidst the turmoil.

Authorities quickly sprang into action, conducting a thorough sweep of both campuses. For Lexington Christian Academy, the all-clear signal was given by 10:50 a.m., allowing students to breathe a little easier. Meanwhile, Kentucky State University also reported that no threats were found and students were allowed to return to campus later in the afternoon.

Community Response

In the flurry of activity, safety fell firmly into focus. Dan Koett, a spokesperson for Lexington Christian Academy, praised law enforcement for their swift action, acknowledging how crucial safety is for both students and faculty. After the events at KSU, President Koffi Akakpo thanked the local and state law enforcement agencies for their diligent support throughout the investigation.

Law Enforcement Involvement

The investigations required teamwork from various law enforcement bodies, including the KSU Police Department, Frankfort Police Department, and Kentucky State Police. Frankfort’s Mayor, Layne Wilkerson, reassured the public that while no immediate danger was found, precautionary measures had been taken to keep the community safe during the ongoing investigation.

Increased Security for Elections

As if the situation couldn’t get any tenser, South Carolina has seen a sharp increase in threatening phone calls regarding voter registration. Allegations regarding non-citizens voting have triggered concerns, leading electoral officials to ramp up security measures at local polling precincts. Richland County officials reported training for their staff in conflict mediation, in response to minor disruptions that have occurred at polling areas. In Lexington County, safety protocols have been introduced, including panic buttons and handy emergency situation booklets for poll workers’ protection during elections.

A Troubling Trend

This surge in threats and unsafe situations has sparked an alarming trend. Just recently, a former police chief in Lexington County faced an unsettling fate; he was sentenced to 15 years in prison for a series of offenses, including cyberstalking and threatening family members. These incidents highlight the pressing need for better safety measures and community awareness.

As the dust begins to settle from these tumultuous days, it’s crucial for everyone in the community to stay vigilant and supportive of one another. In times like these, every little bit counts when it comes to maintaining the safety and security of our schools and local neighborhoods.

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Additional Resources

• WACH: Georgia Man Charged with Threatening Life of Public Official
• Kentucky.com: Kentucky Education News
• WLTX: Local Election Officials Safety Measures
• Kentucky.com: Kentucky State News
• South Carolina Daily Gazette: Former Police Chief Sentenced
• Wikipedia: Threat
• Google Search: Kentucky School Safety Threats
• Google Scholar: Safety Measures in Schools
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Safety
• Google News: Threats to Public Officials

Author: HERE Lexington