MISHAWAKA — Penn-Harris-Madison officials say a violent message threatening Schmucker Middle School seen on social media on Wednesday, March 4, was a hoax.
In a letter sent to school families on Wednesday morning, Schmucker Principal Sarah Smith previously said the school was notified about a Snapchat message viewed by a Schmucker student that said “the school was going to be shot up and that you better duck and dodge.” In response, the letter said, additional law enforcement officers would be on campus throughout the day on Wednesday.
In an update sent Wednesday afternoon, Smith said the investigation into the incident found that the threat was fake, and officials have identified the responsible individual and additional students involved. The letter says administrators will follow the Student Handbook when dealing with the consequences.
“This investigation was quick and efficient because of the dedication of our School Safety Team working with Schmucker school staff, P-H-M Safety and Security Team, and district administration,” Smith’s letter reads. “Information was proactively shared with us enabling our team to resolve this situation promptly.”
Email South Bend Tribune education reporter Rayleigh Deaton at rdeaton@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: P-H-M says threatening messages about Schmucker Middle were a hoax
Reporting by Rayleigh Deaton, South Bend Tribune / South Bend Tribune
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