Despite no credible threat, security has been increased in Headland and Abbeville, sheriff says

Lina PortmanMay 25, 2024

0 1 minute read

ABBEVILLE, Ala. (WTVY) – The sheriff says metal detectors at graduation ceremonies in Henry County are precautionary measures and do not indicate a credible threat.

Sheriff Eric Blankenship told News4 his officers became aware of a post related to the shooting of two students at a graduation ceremony this week in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

A Henry County student posted a photo related to those shootings, he said, which spread on social media but without a credible threat.

“We are using metal detectors at the Abbeville and Headland high school graduation ceremonies today (Friday) out of an abundance of caution,” Blankenship told News4. “We are also increasing the number of officers.”

He points out that officers routinely used detectors at high school football games.

“We just want to take every precaution to keep our students and parents safe and reassure them in this uncertain world,” he said.

Abbeville High School's graduation went off without incident Friday morning, with Headland's graduation scheduled for the afternoon.

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