MEMPHIS, Tenn. — According to the Memphis Police Department (MPD), Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent (MSCS) Dr. Marie Feagins received death threats on May 31 from an unknown man.
Police said that on May 31, 2024, around 10:30 a.m., officers responded to a scene after a Homeland Security memo was reported.
According to MPD, a complainant told them that Feagins' brother, who was out of town, received four phone calls around 10:15 a.m. from an unknown man saying, "I'm going to put your sister in a pine box."
Memphis-Shelby County Schools Internal Homeland Security was called and arrived on the scene, police said. Memphis Police Task Force Homeland Security was also called, and they sent a message to Homeland Security for further investigation, police said.
On June 4, Feagins held a news conference, where the public first heard about the threats.
According to Feagins, she is safe, and there have been no lockdowns or additional adjustments. She said she did not know about the threat until it was already resolved.
Feagins said no one was around and no one's life was in danger.
In response to the threats, MSCS released the following statement:
"Memphis-Shelby County Schools takes any threat seriously. While no recent threats have been made directly to our personnel, we want to remind the public that if they become aware of a threat, they should take the proper steps to report it to law enforcement. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority, and we will continue to work diligently to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for all."
As of June 4, there has been no word on any action taken against the person who made the threats.