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Updated as of 2:50 p.m.

Southampton Academy was placed on lockdown Friday morning, Nov. 17, after school officials were notified of a message referencing an adult individual planning to harm themselves.

An update Friday afternoon from the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office indicated that law enforcement had determined there was no active threat on campus, and school officials were making arrangements for dismissal and notifying parents.

A Friday morning news release from SCSO stated that the sheriff’s office was notified about a message received on a crisis helpline in reference to an “adult individual” that was planning to harm themselves. 

Law enforcement determined the message to have originated from Southampton Academy, the release noted, adding that no further information on the individual was available. 

“School officials were notified, and a lockdown of the school was initiated,” sheriff’s office officials stated. “The sheriff’s office and Courtland Police Department are working with school officials to ensure that the campus is safe and secure.”

The release concluded with officials stating, “There is no known active threat at this time.”

The afternoon update noted that the incident will continue to be investigated in attempts to determine the source of the message. 

“Sheriff’s office detectives will continue working with school officials during the investigation,” officials stated. 

The update noted that law enforcement will remain on campus until all students are released.

“Thank you to the Southampton Academy staff for all of their support and cooperation during this incident,” officials said. “Also, thank you to officers and deputies from Courtland PD, Sussex SO, Franklin PD, and the Virginia State Police for their assistance today.”