Less than a week after two students were arrested for allegedly planning an attack, Cherokee County officials made three arrests in a second threat against Etowah High School on Friday.
Parents were originally sent an email from Cherokee County Schools advising them that out of "an abundance of caution, additional police officers will be present at Etowah High/E.T. Booth Middle campus" on Friday.
Later that day, the school system confirmed in a message to parents that three students were arrested for their social media posts about an attack on the school - messages that subsequently caused another panic.
"Although we believe our prompt response by emailing Etowah HS and E.T. Booth MS parents Thursday night and providing an increased police presence on campus today calmed many families, we still saw 695 absences (29%) today at Etowah HS and 209 absences (12%) at E.T. Booth MS," the school system said in its latest message to parents.
They added that making a threat of violence is "no joke" and that doing so will lead to disciplinary action and potential criminal prosecution.
In a world where information travels quickly online, the school system also had a message for teens and younger children.
"When students hear a rumor, they need to report it to the police or school administration instead of posting it on social media, which can hinder an investigation," the school communications office said.
The increased security came days after police arrested Alfred Dupree and Victoria McCurley, both 17.
The two are accused of creating an "incendiary device" that was allegedly going to be used to cause harm at Etowah High School. Detectives found a diary in Dupree's home that allegedly contained threats against the school and specific students and staff. The device was found in McCurley's home.
According to Cherokee County Sheriff Frank Reynolds, detective working the case said the possible attack would have been a "Columbine-type" incident.
Dupree and McCurley were charged with three counts of criminal attempt to commit murder, four counts of terroristic threats and acts, criminal attempt to commit arson and possession and/or transportation of destructive device/explosive with intent to kill, injure or destroy any public building. They are both being charged as adults in the case.
Students on Friday said they were grateful for the increased security measures.
Homecoming is scheduled at Etowah High this weekend.
