BPD responds to social media chatter regarding alleged BHS shooting threat

NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT

Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015, 3:55 p.m. — Through their Facebook page, the Bardstown Police Department released an additional statement about the alleged shooting threat at Bardstown High School earlier today — and specifically addressing rumors and speculation regarding the incident that proliferated via social media.

On social media some parents made comments criticizing the school district for not locking down the adjoining elementary and middle school buildings in the wake of the alleged threat. Others wondered why all the schools in the county weren’t locked down as a precaution. And others questioned why a student who was allegedly a “person of interest” in the incident was questioned by police and then released back to the classroom.

“There was NO threat made that any student, parent, faculty, staff, or BPD could locate via chatter on social media. Sadly, a student stared a rumor that they had “heard” something and that “so-in-so said” and from this, the social media then lit up with chatter about what everyone “heard,” though no one saw or read any such threat.

“The school contacted us and we responded to assist in the investigation and the bi-lateral investigation in the event an actual threat was located via social media aspect, to no avail.

The school went on a “soft lockdown” and officers remained through the lunch periods to further assist with the chaos that this, sadly, caused. As well, many parents chose to remove their children and we assisted until that was over as well.

“No one was/is/of interest in custody (not sure where that came from, hence the “rumor” portion of this statement) and only students that other students were saying said ” something” were questioned by the staff, again to no avail. But NO ONE has been arrested (because) no threat existed.

“As for the internet-intellects that have commented on “why we did or didnt do something” every police protocol was followed. We were there long before word was out and parents began arriving. By then, we had already determined that the “threat” rumor was specific to one spot and further more that the threat did NOT exist at all, so no, no other schools were on lock down and we had already saturated ALL of the school buildings on the campus. once we determined what the students were saying that they heard.

“As with ANY situation, if you have any other information regarding this contact the school officials or BPD.

Superintendent Brent Holsclaw told WBRT Radio that the district used the One Call message Wednesday afternoon to parents and guardians of city school students that stated:

As you are probably aware, a rumor circulated today about a potential threat at the high school. Bardstown City Police determined there was no tangible threat and that the rumor was spread through social media. We want you to know that your child’s safety is our first priority and we will continue to take appropriate measures to assure their safety. Thank you.

Bardstown Police also told parents via social media that officers will be in the area of the city school campus when students return to classes tomorrow and Friday.

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