Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Man remanded over Facebook comment which kept 3,000 American kids away from school

Comment suggested something violent might happen at high school

James Legge
Sunday 10 February 2013 15:24 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A British man was in court today over a Facebook post in which he allegedly threatened to kill 200 American schoolchildren.

Reece Elliott, 24, from South Shields, is alleged to have made the threat on Wednesday, on a memorial page to a girl killed in a car accident in Tennessee, suggesting that something violent would happen at Warren County High School.

The comment reportedly led to 3,000 children missing school in the area.

According to The Tennessean, the post- which was made anonymously- led to increased security around several schools in McMinnville, a city around 70 miles from Nashville.

Two deputies patrolled at the nearby Hickory Creek Elementary, and officers were at every school in the city.

Elliott appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court for a 30-minute hearing where he also faced a charge of making a malicious communication.

He did not enter pleas to the charges.

Kevin Smallcombe, defending, said Elliott has no passport and no desire to visit Warren County.

Jim Lynch, chairman of the bench, said he would be remanded into custody.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in