CHEROKEE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Earlier today, Cherokee, N.C., went into lockdown after Cherokee police received an anonymous call threatening mass violence. However, officials say there is no evidence of immediate danger.
In a 3:19 p.m. press release on Wednesday, June 10, the Cherokee Indian Police Department addressed the incident.
“Earlier this morning, the Cherokee Indian Police Department received a call where an unknown person expressed intentions of committing mass violence with the use firearms and explosives,” CIPD wrote. “The Cherokee Indian Police Department, along with numerous, local, state, and federal agencies responded. At this time, evidence indicates that there is no imminent threat. However, the situation is being closely monitored, and the Cherokee Indian Police Department remains vigilant.”
Before the area was declared safe, several local institutions announced that they would be closed on a shelter-in-place order, including Cherokee Central Schools and the Museum of the Cherokee People.
While CCS reopened for regularly scheduled bus routes and student pick-up around 2:26 p.m., the Museum of the Cherokee People closed for the remainder of the day.
According to a 2:44 p.m. Facebook post by Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Emergency Management, “while the investigation remains ongoing, there is no known threat to the general public. Please continue to monitor official channels for any additional updates.”