Threat of gun violence forces evacuation of Statesville High football stadium during game; two firearms seized

Posted on by Mike Fuhrman

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Law enforcement officers evacuated the football stadium at Statesville High School during Friday night’s game due to a threat of gun violence.

Statesville police officers and Iredell-Statesville Schools officials made the decision to clear the stadium after receiving information that a threat of violence had been posted on social media.

The threat was directed at the West Iredell High School side of the stadium, Police Chief David Onley said.

Two guns were seized from individuals who were attempting to enter the stadium, according to the police chief. Details about possible charges were not immediately available.

The evacuation was ordered with 4:42 remaining in the third quarter. West Iredell was winning 18-13 when the game was suspended and the stadium evacuated.

Iredell-Statesville Schools Superintendent Jeff James was at the game. 

“I-SS will always put safety first,” he said. “I find it disheartening that even the sanctity of community under Friday night lights is threatened by the escalating hate in our society. I am proud of our security system, SPD, and WTSA (school security) for ensuring an incident to public safety did not occur. I hate it for our kids, our fans, students and community that we could not finish the game.”

The game will be completed on Monday at 4:30 p.m. at Statesville High. No fans will be allowed.

3 thoughts on “Threat of gun violence forces evacuation of Statesville High football stadium during game; two firearms seized”

  1. Zion says:

    I hate that I’m a teen and I can’t feel comfortable enough to go see my brother (WIHS) play football in his last year of high school. If you’re not a parent or student or relative to anyone of the players just stay your butts at home. You’re ruining people’s joy and fun of a sport.

  2. Darla says:

    Is this what our high school sports coming to that no spectators will be allowed because of violence?

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