Chanute High School went into lockdown Friday afternoon following a threatening message circulated via social media. The Chanute Police Department, with assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, Allen County Sheriff’s Office, and USD 413, apprehended a suspect connected to the threat.
According to the official statement released by the Chanute Police Department, the individual in custody is alleged to have made the threat using the social media platform SnapChat under the screen name “Shcool Shooter.” The threat caused panic among students, with some eyewitnesses reporting screams from the hallways as the lockdown took effect.
The suspect reportedly continued to send threatening messages even after the lockdown began, including one chilling statement: “yall think the lock down is going to help...? what if I’m already inside.”
Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries. Authorities confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and reports will be forwarded to the Neosho County Attorney’s Office for review and potential charges.
In their statement, police emphasized that all suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Parents, students, and school staff are urged to remain vigilant as the investigation continues. Additional security measures may be implemented to ensure student safety in the wake of the alarming incident.
