The Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office (BPSO), Louisiana State Police (LSP) and the FBI are investigating an alleged threat affecting students and faculty of Ringgold School Complex. The threat was reportedly sent to a school principal by email this past Friday, September 22. 

“We have contacted the LSP Fusion Center regarding the email,” said Bienville Parish Sheriff John Ballance. “Bienville Parish School Board’s IT people are looking into the veracity of the email, utilizing investigative tools available to us.”

According to Ballance they have acquired the IP address that the threat was sent from, but they must obtain a search warrant for it and that could take a couple of days. 

The following are two messages sent out from the Bienville Parish School Board to parents of children who attend Ringgold School Complex. 

Sent Saturday, September 23:

“Good afternoon, due to issues at the Ringgold School Complex please do not go to the school this weekend. No students, faculty or staff are allowed at the school today and tomorrow. Thanks.”

Sent Sunday, September 24:

“Good evening. This is Superintendent William Wysinger of the Bienville Parish School Board. On Friday evening, September 22, 2023, an email threat was sent to one of our principals. The email stated that someone was using the school telephone to prank their phone and that they wanted it to stop or they would start pranking the principal. It further stated that if it was not taken care of the damages would be a dead kid or teacher. 

Law enforcement was promptly notified and currently the Louisiana State Police, the FBI and the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office are investigating the authenticity of the threat. Student and employee safety has and will continue to be our number one priority. A heightened police presence will be visible at the two campuses involved tomorrow as we continue to investigate this threat. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Central Office at 318-263-9416. Please visit your district’s web based Student Progress Center for more details.”

The Bienville Parish Journal will be updating this story as more details become available.

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