Cookeville, TN – A student has been taken into custody after allegedly making a threat of mass violence against Cookeville High School on Thursday, October 2, 2025, according to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Eddie Farris confirmed that School Resource Officers (SROs) were notified of a message referencing mass violence toward students and faculty. Deputies responded immediately, removing the threat without forcing the school into lockdown or interrupting classes.
“Every threat is real until proven otherwise,” Farris said in the release. “Our SRO Deputies are trained to remove the threat from the facility, and I commend them for working with school faculty to quickly resolve this situation. Please have a conversation with your children about the seriousness of threats of mass violence. It is not a joking matter.”
The suspect, a juvenile, was charged with Threat of Mass Violence under Tennessee Code (T.C.A. 39-16-517). Authorities confirmed the individual is being held at the Putnam County Juvenile Detention Center.
Officials emphasized that while no lockdown was ultimately required, the incident highlights the importance of swift communication between students, staff, and law enforcement. The sheriff’s office encouraged parents and guardians to remain engaged with their children about the dangers and legal consequences of making threats, even in jest.
No injuries were reported, and school operations continued without interruption.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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