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Local schools have heightened security measures following online threats made against two area schools Wednesday evening.

A social media post on Instagram featured a photo of guns with the caption, “Happy Valley High School. You’re next,” prompting immediate concern. In response, the Carter County School System issued a statement on social media, saying:

“Carter County Schools and local law enforcement are aware of a social media post that included a threat against one of our schools. We are treating this threat with the utmost seriousness and are actively addressing the situation in collaboration with local law enforcement. Enhanced security measures will be in place at all Carter County Schools tomorrow. Ensuring the safety of our faculty, staff, and students is our top priority.”

Elizabethton High School also received a threat later Wednesday night.

Social media platforms have since been flooded with concerned parents debating whether to send their children to school. Both the Carter County Sheriff’s Office and local police are involved in the investigation, and additional security personnel have been deployed to schools across the county.

The investigation is ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding these threats to contact local law enforcement.