Cookeville, Tennessee – A 17-year-old student was charged after allegedly making a threat at Cookeville High School, prompting a law enforcement response.
According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, School Resource Officer (SRO) deputies were notified on Friday, March 27, 2025, that the student stated, “I have a gun and I’m going to shoot up the school.”
Deputies immediately located the juvenile and took him into custody. During the investigation, officials said the student admitted to making the statement but claimed it was intended as a joke.
The juvenile was transported to Putnam County Juvenile Detention and charged with Threat of Mass Violence under Tennessee law (T.C.A. 39-16-517). Authorities have not released the student’s name due to age.
Officials emphasized that Cookeville High School was never placed on lockdown at any point during the incident.
Sheriff Eddie Farris stated that all threats are taken seriously, regardless of intent. “There is nothing that would be considered a joke when it comes to making threats of mass violence to our schools,” Farris said, adding that every report is handled with urgency to ensure student and staff safety.
The case remains under investigation.
Incidents like this may heighten concerns among students and young commuters who rely on daily school safety assurances.
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