NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WBEN) Niagara Falls High School is the latest target of a violent social media threat. Superintendent Mark Laurrie tells WBEN the threat was posted on Instagram Monday afternoon.
"Police deemed quickly that the photo was a stock photo of a police
seizure of weapons in Ohio or Illinois. That made us feel better. Still," Laurrie said, "we can't take it lightly."
On Tuesday, there was a noticeable increased police presence at the High School. Students are entering buildings through metal detectors and are having bags searched.
There are marked and unmarked law enforcement outside the school.
Dogs are at the ready in the event of an escalation of the situation.
And, according to Laurrie, a SWAT Team is standing by, if needed.
"It's unfortunate that we have to prepare like this, but the turnaround was quick in terms of being ready. We've also communicated with parents and will
keep updating the community on it."
Did some students stay home today, because of the threat? "At this time, I don't have the attendance numbers, but a visual this morning looked lighter than usual," said Laurrie.
The superintendent is confident police will find who posted the threat and he intends to push for every legal ramification possible. "That's the only way that these threats can stop. This is escalating to a level of fear for many families and children. It's a distraction away from educational purpose."
Laurrie is not opposed to holding the parents responsible. "I've seen it happen in Michigan. When you're under 18 years of age, which I assume the person is, your parents need to know. This isn't something that pops out of the blue. I think we need to question the parents and guardians once we find out who this is. This has got to stop," he added.
