KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — With multiple school threats made against Knox County Schools in the last week, many people are left wondering how to deal with the reality of the seriousness of the situation.
Layla Robinson goes to Carter High School and Kambrea Mills attends Northwest Middle School. Robinson said her class was nearly empty and Mills said she chose not to go because she felt uncomfortable. According to a spokesperson with KCS, Northwest Middle School had an attendance rate of just over 50%.
"It makes me feel scared and it's like we should feel safe going to school and not scared," said Mills.
A feeling of fear and worry has engulfed many students inside KCS.
"It affects you like, mentally because I know when I did like find out about it or whatever, as soon as I got to school, I called my mom, we prayed about it on the phone and stuff," said Robinson.
With dozens of school threats made over the last two weeks, law enforcement said at least 12 students have been arrested for threats of mass violence.
"It is very serious and they need to stop," said Mills. "And this is a great example for them to not do this again."
Robinson and Mills both said they fear any type of violence happening at their school.
"It literally could happen to any school. So like, it's definitely something you could, you wanna take seriously," said Robinson.
Because of this, Mills didn't feel comfortable going to school on Wednesday. She said it was a tough conversation she had with her mother. Meanwhile, Robinson chose to attend her classes at Carter High School.
"Literally no one was at school today," said Robinson. "Like there was only two people in my class this morning, including myself."
They said the response from law enforcement and school leaders has been helpful.
"I feel like with the police and the emails that have been sent out to the parents, it's like very reassuring," said Robinson.
Yet because of the recent threats, they still wonder if their classmates understand the seriousness of the crime.
"I think some of the kids that did (it) is in jail right now," said Mills. "They probably just didn't think it was that serious and that they were going to go to jail and be where they are now, but now they know not to do it again."
The students said they believe the threats will slow down and they urge their classmates to take these actions seriously.
KPD said in a statement earlier that they will have an increased presence at Knoxville schools over the coming days.