LIBERTY — A Liberty woman has been arrested and charged with making a threat against South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.

Prior to Haley’s scheduled visit to Liberty Elementary School on Tuesday morning, a parent-volunteer at the school made a remark to a staff member about harming the governor, according to School District of Pickens County public information specialist John Eby.

“The staff member contacted the principal, who contacted Liberty Police,” Eby said. “The parent was taken from the school by police before the governor arrived.”

The action was taken out of an abundance of caution, Eby said.

“The staff member and the principal made a tough decision in contacting the police, but it was the right one,” he said. “We hope the comment was not meant seriously, but we had to take it seriously nonetheless.”

Eby said the incident did not have an impact on Haley’s visit with the students
“The students were unaware of what had happened earlier in the morning and had a delightful time with the governor,” he said.

Jennifer Johnson Phillips, 46, has been charged with threatening a public official, a misdemeanor that carries a penalty of up to $500, 30 days in jail or both. She was transported to the Pickens County Detention Center for a bond hearing.