Threat against high school unfounded: RCMP
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Classes at the high school in Swan River continued as normal on Tuesday after the RCMP debunked a potential threat against the school that was circulating on social media Monday evening.
Mounties were made aware of the possible threat involving the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School around 8:15 p.m. The report originated from a social media group chat that was then widely shared online, generating concern from the community and police, RCMP said in a news release on Tuesday.
Police spoke with the youth who purportedly issued the threat at his residence.
“Following an initial investigation, RCMP are confident the story circulating on social media was fabricated and that the youth did not send or post any threats,” the release said.
The RCMP are continuing to investigate the origins of the unfounded threat, police said.
A spokesperson for the RCMP said the report of the threat originated from a group chat on Snapchat and that police would not be sharing further details about the type of threat.
Reports of the threat regarding Tuesday’s school day began circulating online and through text messages around 4 p.m. on Monday, Swan Valley School Division Supt. Rob Tomlinson said in a news release on Monday.
The division received “a significant number of reports” about the potential threat, he said, adding that the RCMP would be present at the school as a precaution on Tuesday to provide reassurance and support.
In an update on Tuesday, Tomlinson said officers found no credible evidence to support the claims that were shared online and there was no ongoing threat to the safety of students, staff and the community.
“While the information was ultimately determined to be false, reporting concerns is always the right action,” he said in the release.
“We would much rather investigate a report that proves unfounded than fail to receive information that could impact the safety and well-being of our school community.”
Tomlinson thanked people for promptly alerting the school and division officials about the potential threat, noting the matter was investigated quickly and thoroughly.
He said students are regularly taught that if they become aware of any threat, rumour of a threat, or concerning behaviour, they must report it immediately to a trusted adult or school official.
The Swan Valley Regional Secondary School serves more than 450 Grade 9-12 students.
» tadamski@brandonsun.com