Franklin police increased patrols at the high school for the final days of school after investigating a social media threat to shoot up the school, police and school officials said.
The threat, posted on Instagram, was deemed not credible, meaning that investigators found the students who made the post had no means to carry out the threat, no access to weapons, no history of violence and no other indication that they intended to carry out the shooting, Franklin Police Chief Tim O’Sullivan said.
The threat was reported on Tuesday night and comes days after a Noblesville student shot a teacher and classmate during class.
A fellow Franklin Community High School student saw the post on social media and alerted police, O’Sullivan.
A detective and school officials talked to the students involved in the post, found it was not a credible threat and sent the information to the Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office to review what, if any, charge to file, O’Sullivan said.
The school district released a statement to parents that said: “Franklin Police received a report of a threatening social media post involving FCHS students. In collaboration with Franklin Schools’ administrators, the police investigated the issue and determined the threat was not credible. We are grateful for the student who did the right thing and reported the post. We are all mindful of the unfortunate events across the country, and as you know, vigilance as a community is critically important in keeping our schools safe. Please don’t hesitate — if you see something say something.”
The police department sent extra officers to patrol the school and campus on Wednesday and today. Today is the last day of school.
Police and school officials have told students repeatedly to not make such comments, even in a joking manner, because they must be taken seriously, O’Sullivan said.
