UPDATE: Riverdale High School in Murfreesboro has returned to normal operations after law enforcement determined that a reported threat received Wednesday morning was false. The school was briefly placed on a precautionary hold while multiple agencies investigated, including school resource officers, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, Murfreesboro Police, and Homeland Security. School officials said students were secured in their classrooms during the response, and no injuries or arrests were reported. District leaders emphasized that the action was taken out of caution and urged families to rely on official updates rather than social media speculation. See FULL UPDATE in WGNS News Article HERE.
PREVIOUS: MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — A precautionary hold remained in place Wednesday morning at Riverdale High School after local law enforcement received a call reporting a possible threat against the campus, an incident school officials say now appears to be unfounded.
According to Rutherford County Schools, the call was received earlier in the morning by law enforcement dispatch, prompting an immediate response from school administrators the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, SRO's, who were already at the school, and Murfreesboro Police. Riverdale High School is located on Warrior Drive in Murfreesboro between South Church Street and Highway 99.
In an email sent to WGNS Radio and later shared publicly, district spokesperson and Chief Communications Officer James Evans said the district acted out of an abundance of caution.
“It appears to be a false call, but we have placed the school on a precautionary hold until the situation can be thoroughly investigated and resolved,” Evans said. “Students who arrived at school are secure and are remaining in their homeroom classes until this matter has been resolved. You may notice a large police presence while this is being investigated.”
The Murfreesboro Police Department confirmed it is assisting with the investigation. Murfreesboro Police shared the school system’s message on social media, adding that MPD officers are actively supporting the response alongside other law enforcement agencies.
As officers worked to secure the campus, social media activity appeared to intensify concern among parents and community members. One parent posted on Facebook, “What’s going on at Riverdale High School? Police presence and all exits blocked and weapons drawn.” Other online comments speculated about guns or a possible shooting. Again, most of the comments or statements made by parents, concerned citizens and others on media platforms like Facebook appears to be speculation and their statements were not confirmed by authorities or school officials with the county or with Riverdale High School personnel.
County school officials, the Sheriff's Office and police emphasized that there was no confirmation of an active threat. Evans reiterated to WGNS that the call appears to be false and that the precautionary hold was implemented to allow law enforcement to complete a thorough investigation and ensure the safety of students and staff.
No injuries were reported, and no arrests had been announced as of the latest update. Rutherford County Schools said families and the public would be notified as more information becomes available, and officials urged the community to rely on verified updates rather than social media speculation while the investigation continues.
