(The Center Square) – Students are back Tuesday for the first day of school in the nation’s 14th largest city just four days after a jailed suspect threatening to “kill all the Blacks” at Garinger High bonded out of jail.

Police on Feb. 16, 2025, became aware of an email sent a day earlier to West Charlotte and Ardrey Kell high schools, Community House Middle School and Hawk Ridge Elementary School. Garinger staff got a letter on Feb. 18.

The suspect in the case is Drew Owens, 33. He’s charged with five counts of communicating a threat of mass violence on an educational property. Bail of $60,000 was posted Friday. His initial bond was set at $10,000, increased by a judge to $200,000, then lowered. It is unclear why.

An affidavit said Owens, in the letter, vowed to “shoot up” Garinger High.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is home to more than 141,000 students, 19,000 staff and 185 schools and facilities. It is second largest in the state to Wake County Public School System.

Superintendent Crystal Hill apologized for communication delays to students at the outset of the threats.

A district statement says, “School and district leadership are aware and remain in close communication with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Police Department (CMSPD) and our law enforcement partners. The individual has been banned from all CMS property, and any violation of the ban will result in immediate law enforcement action. Additionally, the safety procedures and security measures in place at our schools will continue to be actively followed every day.”