safety
Middle TN sheriff warns that making threats will lead to arrests. Urges parents to talk with their kids
By Kassidy Brown at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 2, 2026
· 1 min read
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A sheriff in Middle Tennessee is urging parents to talk to their children about the consequences of making threats against schools ahead of the upcoming academic year.Putnam County Schools students will have their first full day on July 31, so Sheriff Eddie Farris is ur...
Key takeaway Putnam County Schools students will have their first full day on July 31, so Sheriff Eddie Farris is urging parents to talk to their children about making threats of mass violence.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The warning from Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris comes as schools in the Nashville area prepare for the new academic year, with some districts starting as early as July 31. As students return to classrooms, the sheriff's message serves a crucial reminder for parents in surrounding counties, including Davidson County, to have similar conversations with their children. Tennessee state law is clear on the consequences of making threats of mass violence, and local law enforcement agencies are likely to take a similar stance to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office. Parents in Nashville should take this opportunity to discuss the severity of such threats with their kids, emphasizing that even idle comments can have serious repercussions. By doing so, they can help prevent unnecessary disruptions to the school year and ensure a safe learning environment for all students in the Nashville area.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A sheriff in Middle Tennessee is urging parents to talk to their children about the consequences of making threats against schools ahead of the upcoming academic year.Putnam County Schools students will have their first full day on July 31, so Sheriff Eddie Farris is ur...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kassidy Brown at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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