Schools on ‘lockout’ as precaution after ‘non-credible’ social media threat

Local schools were put on lockout today after a social media threat towards an unspecified school was sent to police departments throughout the region by the Suffolk County Police Department.

Police departments sent patrol cars to all schools in their jurisdiction as a precaution and students were kept inside schools during lunch recess.

Riverhead Town Police Chief David Hegermiller said the department sent out extra patrol cars to school today.

“Cars patrol regularly the schools anyway,” he said, “but we wanted to respond even though the threat was not confirmed.”

Southampton Town Police Lieutenant Susan Ralph said a Snapchat message containing a threat originating west of Suffolk County had been forwarded to Southampton PD by the Suffolk County Police Department.

“We responded as a precaution to protect all students, teachers and staff,” she said.

She added that they had not determined how long they would have police cars present in the schools.

“As a precaution to a non-specific threat found on social media and, ultimately, deemed non-credible by the Suffolk County Police Department, Riverhead students were kept inside the school building for lunch recess,” Riverhead Central School District Superintendent Aurelia Henriquez said in a statement. The district was not placed on “lockdown,” she said.

Over the weekend, a non-specific threat that originated at a high school in Queens began circulating on social media, but it was investigated by the Suffolk Police Department and it was deemed non-credible, according to a statement from the Suffolk County School Superintendents Association.

“It is unfortunate that recent events have caused an increase in this type of “copycat” posts, which tend to cause a significant disruption in the learning environment,” SSA’s president Lars Clemensen said.

He added this was due to the latest incidents across the country that have brought increased awareness on the safety and security of school buildings, and we reassured parents that every precaution is being taken.

“We ask that all parents and community members remain alert and if a concerning post surfaces, to contact school officials or local law enforcement directly,” he said.

Deacon John, principal of Bishop McGann-Mercy Diocesan High School sent a letter home to parents informing them of the precautionary lockout today. Deacon John said in his letter that they had placed administrators at each school entrance.

“Please be assured we will continue to be vigilant,” he said.