Lafayette, La (KADN) -There have been a series of violent threats that put police on high alert at schools throughout Acadiana.
Those threats targeted Lafayette and Northside High School in Lafayette... along with Cecilia Junior and Senior High Schools in St. Martin Parish.
Authorities say they are determined to find out where the threats are coming from and parents should know that they are putting their best foot forward to find those responsible.
"Officers are there. We are ready and trained to handle situations like this."
Several schools across Acadiana have heightened their security measures after social media threats were discovered online. One at Lafayette High School, while another surfaced regarding Cecilia Junior High and Cecilia High School.
Sr. Cpl. Matthew Benoit says every threat is being investigated and taken seriously. "We have provided some additional officers on campus today just pertaining to these threats and what occurred yesterday. So we are always going to do everything that we can to make sure we have police officers on-site at all times to keep all students and all of these schools across our parish as safe as possible.
Benoit says they have charged a student at northside high with terrorism after making violent statements saying he was going to "shoot up the school.
Brandon Jefferson says there isn't much the school can do as it all starts at home. "What's making kids want to do these types of things? I know there are a lot of people that do things online for social media for clout. Others are actually upset and planning to act on what they plan to do."
One parent that wished not to be on camera agreed saying she is concerned, though these were threats she doesn't want them to become a reality. "You have to monitor what they are on and what they are not on. You know and at the end of the day, it will get through to some kids. It will reach some and some it won't. I always say it begins at home."
St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office is asking that if anyone has information in connection to the threats at Cecilia High and Junior High to contact them.
Benoit reiterates that if you hear or see something regarding a school threat...don't be afraid to speak up. "To find out what is going on at school. If they hear something that we don't know about yet come out and let us know so that to where we can be better prepared. To respond to something and aggressively approach something before it even turns into an actual situation."
All schools plan to continue to resume school as normal going forward and will have additional police on campus as a precaution.
Along with the Northside student, yesterday a Lafayette High student arrested was charged with terrorizing and booked into the Lafayette juvenile detention center. Another was charged with trespassing and released on a summons.
