A Press Release from Carmi Police Chief Jason Carter.
At approximately 2:56 am on 05/13/25 Carmi Police were notified by CWCHS Administrators of an online report of a possible perceived threat made via Safe 2 Help IL. The threat was not specific in which school but only referenced a threat toward a school at Carmi. Carmi Police and School Administrators spoke at length throughout the early morning hours and a decision was made to cancel school while a further thorough investigation by law enforcement continued to ensure the safety of the students and staff.
Carmi Police began issuing multiple search warrants to providers for information regarding the possible threat of violence at a Carmi School and cited exigent circumstances. A response was received which led to the address of the reporter. Upon further investigation Carmi Police revealed the report was submitted to Safe 2 Help IL by a 16-year-old male. It was revealed the male did not have any knowledge of an actual threat toward the school but was intoxicated at the time and sent the report to Safe 2 Help IL as a joke. It was discovered that the male does not have access to weapons in the residence and the parents were fully cooperative in the investigation. A full report will be submitted to the White County States Attorney for his review.
Carmi White County Administration was informed of the outcome of the investigation and the information of no perceived threat at this time pertaining to this report. As always Carmi Police and CWC Administrators encourage students and parents to report any knowledge of possible concerns to law enforcement and teachers as they are learned.
CWCHS Graduation Ceremonies will resume as scheduled this evening and there will be an increased presence of law enforcement and additional security measures during graduation and normal school activities to allow for enhanced safety and peace of mind to the public.
