Adams Middle School in Floyd County gives all clear following threat investigation

By Tonya Horne-Williams
Floyd County Superintendent

On Monday, Oct. 27, Adams Middle School administration was alerted by a student to a bomb threat made against the school. The student reported receiving a threatening text message on Friday, Oct. 24, but did not notify school officials until today. Upon learning of the situation, school administrators immediately contacted 911 and enacted safety protocols to ensure the protection of all students and staff.

As a precautionary measure, students were initially relocated to the City Utilities building next door while law enforcement and city officials began a comprehensive search of the school. Due to weather conditions, students were later transported by bus to Prestonsburg High School, where they participated in a pre-scheduled program featuring guest speaker Joe Washington from 9 to 10 a.m.

While students were safely accommodated at Prestonsburg High School, law enforcement, assisted by a canine unit trained to detect explosives, conducted a thorough search of both the interior and exterior of Adams Middle School. Following this search, officials confirmed that the building was clear and that no explosives were found.

Authorities have identified and taken into custody an 11-year-old student connected to the incident. The student, who sent the text message reported this morning, will be charged with Terroristic Threatening, First Degree. The send and receiver of the text message are two separate students.

At no time were any students in danger. Although there was no indication that the threat was credible, Floyd County schools acted out of an abundance of caution. Superintendent Tonya Horne-Williams emphasized the district’s commitment to maintaining safety and transparency.

“The safety and well-being of our students is always our highest priority. We are grateful for the swift response of local law enforcement and city officials, and we appreciate the patience and understanding of our students, families, and staff as we worked to ensure everyone’s safety. All students, regardless of age, need to be reminded of the seriousness to makings threats. Social media accounts can be traced, and legal action will be taken whenever possible. The safety of our students comes first.