No Threats in Prince William Schools Friday, Officials Say

A rumor that there will be violence in Prince William County and other area schools Friday is making the rounds through social media—but officials say there is no cause for concern. 

Prince William County Schools issued a statement Thursday saying there were "no credible threats" against local schools. 

"Recent events in CT, along with superstitions involving the Mayan calendar, are generating social media rumors about possible threats to PWCS schools and others nationwide. These are unfounded rumors," Phil Kavits, a spokesman for the school system, said in a statement. 

Kavits said that the schools, PWCS Risk Management and Prince William County Police "investigate any and all implied threats."

Police are enhancing their presence at the schools this week, for safety and reassurance, Kavits said.

Prince William County Police posted a note of their own on Facebook, urging citizens not to repeat rumors, and instead immediately inform law enforcement officials. 

"Please know that any threat to our children is taken seriously by Prince William County Police Department and will not be tolerated. Our department will continue to work closely with school staffs and fellow law enforcement agencies.  Any valid threat will be posted to our social media sites," police wrote on their Facebook page.

School resource officers are assigned to all schools and patrol officers continue to closely monitor the rumors, police said. 

The rumors have reached other school systems as well, including neighboring Fairfax County.