Increased security at 2nd Arizona high school due to online threat
Sep 25, 2018, 7:21 AM | Updated: 2:15 pm
(Google Maps photo)
PHOENIX — A second Arizona high school will have an increased security presence on campus on Tuesday after a potential threat circulated on social media.
In a letter to parents, officials with Maricopa High School said the threat is similar to one that circulated in a nearby district, but did not expand on that detail.
They said they have not determined the credibility of the threat, but that classes would remain open on Tuesday.
Students would not be penalized if they missed class as long as they reported the absence, school officials said.
Students were encouraged to leave their backpacks at home and girls were allowed to carry small purses. Any large bags brought to school would be “checked and stored.”
The Maricopa Police Department was investigating. Additional officers were also expected to be present in the neighborhood.
McClintock High School in Tempe also was the subject of an online threat that circulated on Tuesday, but Det. Lily Duran with the Tempe Police Department said the post was not credible.
On Monday, extra security was stationed near Mountain Pointe High School in Phoenix after a photo of a gun and a message that read, “Kids are next, can’t wait,” was posted online. Police were investigating the threat.