Mandarin High School students face second straight day of disruption due to threat of violence

Jacksonville, FL — A day after students were evacuated to the Mandarin High School football stadium for hours due to a bomb threat investigation, the principal of Mandarin High says there has been another threat of violence.

According to an automated message to parents, a text exchange from a student suggested a possible shooting. An investigation into the threat is underway, and the source of the threat has not been identified.

A student shared the threat with authorities, according to the principal.  All students will be searched with metal detector wands as a precaution.

“I can fully understand the impact these situations are having on you and your children. If you choose to be absent today, please know that with parent or guardian permission, it will be considered an excused absence”, said Principal John Kniseley.

The threat comes as students and staff were to celebrate school pride on homecoming. A spokesperson for Duval County Public Schools says all after school activities are still scheduled as normal, with the exception of a pep rally Friday at the school.

On Thursday, students were evacuated to the football stadium because of a bomb threat.

Although some parents went to the campus to try to get their children, the students were held, while the building was swept by police. Dismissal was delayed about 20 minutes in all on Thursday.