Classes resume at Windermere High School after social media threat

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — There was an increased law enforcement presence at Windermere High School Friday morning, a day after a social media threat led deputies to place the school under lockdown for almost four hours.

The threat was made Thursday through a text message and was posted on Facebook warning of a school shooting, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said.

"Shooting at anytime today," the message said. "We are already inside Windermere High School. Be safe."

Deputies said students were released from school at 4 p.m. after no weapons were found on campus.

Two students were held for questioning in relation to the threat Thursday and were released that night.

No word on whether the two will face charges -- but Orange County Public Schools said the students responsible will be disciplined.

Junior Tajara Leach said some students gathered in the school's cafeteria.

"The atmosphere was really just chaotic, because nobody really knew what was going on," Leach said. "We just knew we were on a lockdown."

Detectives said they detained and questioned two male students, who were released. They haven't been charged.

"They got the kid from the cafeteria and then they searched him down and they took him away," Leach said.

Junior Isabella Gray said deputies ordered students to exit school buildings with their hands raised.

"We couldn't bring our bags or anything," Gray said. "Everyone thought it was a joke at first, but then, when everything started happening, everyone took it a lot more serious."

Orange County Public Schools said the students accused of making the threats won't be allowed to return to campus.

Officials said the district's student code of conduct will determine how the students are disciplined.

The incident remains under investigation.

Cox Media Group