Social media posts and texts directed at Good Hope and Vinemont high schools overnight have been perceived as potential threats, spurring an increase in security at Cullman County schools.

Although no messages were directed at Cullman City Schools, the administration posted the following notice:

“In light of threats of violence levied against Vinemont and Good Hope Schools, we have decided to put into place a soft lockdown at all Cullman City Schools. We will diligently monitor situations for the safety of our students.”

Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry said Thursday morning investigators have been working since Wednesday night after the posts were made and reported to his department.

One post read “Good hope school hum? Let me think about it” and was a fake account, Gentry said.

“It was taken down, but seen by a lot of people and shared. We have security always at the schools and will continue to investigate and work to ensure our students and teachers are safe,” Gentry said.

Cullman County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette said parents and students will see a more noticeable security presence Thursday.

“We ask that everyone keep a level head and not spread rumors. The additional security is so that everyone will feel safe and we continue on with school,” Barnette said. “I do know that if the investigation identifies who did this we will prosecute as far as we can go. Sometimes people make bad decisions of this kind and I hate it.”

The Vinemont High School Facebook page included a message this morning that reads:

“Good morning, last night some of our seniors received a text using a gun emoji and profanity with tomorrow’s date. text at 11pm from an anonymous app called textnow. We are taking this seriously and have been working on this throughout the night. There will be an increase police presence today and other precautions throughout the day. A call out will come soon to all parents.”

Barnette said the emoji with the gun was laced with profanity and was directly received by some seniors at Vinemont.

“The emoji and the other post were shared and then people add to it and speculation spreads. The post never said anything about shooting, but it has been perceived that way,” Barnette said.

Good Hope High School posted on its Facebook page “Any and all threats will be quickly turned over to the authorities and any necessary measures will be taken to ensure all students’ and teachers’ safety.”