Bomb threat at JSD

Published 4:00 am Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Sheriff Glenn Wheeler posted a press release on August 24, stating that a comment was posted on a Jasper School District social media account, alluding to a “potential bomb on campus that would detonate tomorrow [Tuesday, Aug 25]”.

The post, made on the school’s Instagram page, triggered an alert on one of the school’s Instagram administrators phones. With quick thinking and action, the administration took a screenshot of the post, which was fortunate as the post was deleted almost immediately.

The administration promptly notified superintendent Kim Liggett, who then acted in accordance with the district’s crisis handbook. This involved contacting Jasper School District SRO (School Resource Officer), Billy Bell, and notifying the school board members. Bell contacted Wheeler.

Upon being informed of the situation, Bell contacted Wheeler and requested assistance from the sheriff’s office and Jasper Police.

After requesting assistance, Bell went to the school to sweep for threats. Deputies from the Newton County Sheriff’s Office (including a deputy with a specially trained explosive detection dog) and officers from Jasper Police Department responded to the scene.

The campus — including , including buses, buildings, and grounds — was methodically cleared with no threats or devices located.

Immediately following the search, Liggett notified parents by posting on Facebook and using ParentSquare, the school’s notification application that is supposed to send out a text, email, and phone call.

Parental responses received were positive and appreciative of the prompt notification, serious consideration and action, and understanding and compassion exhibited by everyone involved.

With the help of the Harrison Police Department, the Arkansas State Police, and Instagram, who used, according to Wheeler, “advanced electronic, computer and internet-based investigative techniques,” the suspect was identified and apprehended in North Carolina late that night.

Reports indicate the suspect had no affiliation with JSD.

After law enforcement confirmed the threat was a hoax, Liggett and the Board decided to keep the school open as usual, while allowing any student to remain at home if they or their parents felt unsafe. She reported that attendance was approximately 50% that day.

Additional law enforcement personnel were present on campus as well as driving the perimeter, “out of an abundance of caution.” Additionally, Bell was available during drop-off period if any parents wanted to talk about the situation.

Sheriff Wheeler said. “As always, the school administration and safety officials immediately took the situation seriously and notified law enforcement. That is so important in these situations.”

In the days following the incident, which was the first Liggett had experienced as an administrator, she conducted a debrief with her administration. As part of the process, she learned that several parents did not receive any notification. This is one of the things that will be addressed as a result of the event.

As Liggett posted, “We are extremely grateful to each of the law enforcement agencies involved for taking this situation seriously and working quickly to identify and locate the individual responsible. We also appreciate the patience, support, and understanding shown by our families, staff, students, and community. The safety of our students and staff will always remain our highest priority.”

“We will continue to work closely with law enforcement and take every precaution necessary to keep our schools safe.”