Schools and law enforcement are on edge, including here in Madison, in the aftermath of this week's school shooting in Florida. Madison police were alerted to an alleged threat made on Snapchat, eluding to a shooting involving La Follette and Madison East. The threats are NOT credible, according to police and Madison Schools Safety and Security Coordinator Joe Balles.
Balles says officers first heard the allegation at a basketball game Thursday night at Madison East and detectives followed up. Balles says a student posted a message about an alleged, vague threat, thinking he was doing the right thing after hearing about it third hand. Balles says it wasn't "anywhere near credible."
The Madison School District also released the following statement:
Dear Families,
I'm writing to let you know that last night, Madison Police shared a concern with administration at East and La Follette. An unidentified student had posted a statement on snapchat that suggested a vague threat of violence between the two schools. Because we take every possible threat very seriously, East and La Follette administration worked closely with MPD throughout the night to trace the message back to the original poster on snapchat. Following several interviews, the officers investigating the concern found the source of the message and no credible threat.
I know that especially in the wake of events this week, something like this can cause heightened anxiety. Again, please know police have thoroughly investigated and there is no threat to our school. We are looking forward to a safe and normal school day. If you have any questions please reach out.
Thank you