Man charged with threatening striking Ringgold teachers

Parents and students in the Ringgold School District were in disbelief Thursday night over what went down on social media earlier in the day.

"It disgusts me to an extent that there's a parent that felt the need to take it to that point,” said Ringgold senior MacKenzie Miller.

Monongahela police say George Shallenberger, a parent in the district, took to Facebook and allegedly threatened to shoot Ringgold teachers who have been on strike.

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"It's frightening because my daughter's a teacher in the district and she's walking the picket line ... of course I'm afraid for her," said Jacqueline Fibbi. "It is never ok to threaten someone with violence."

Among the alleged posts on Shallenberger’s page: “Happiness is a warm gun,” “Guns don't kill people I kill people, and "Easiest job in the world.... but they need more money. Shoot them and start over."

Police arrested Shallenberger and charged him Thursday.

Ringgold Education Association president Maria Degnan never thought it would get to this point.

"Police handled it quickly,” she said. “The district opened their buildings to say, hey, if the teachers wanted to come off the picket line, they don't feel safe and suspect apprehended, please come in.

"I don't think this one incident has brought down the resolve these teachers at all."

Parents Channel 11 spoke to Thursday night say they stand by the teachers.

"They absolutely need the support and they deserve the support," said Amber Trilli.

Cox Media Group