An increase police presence on Westville School campuses could be seen Monday as the district worked with law enforcement following a social media post that raised concern on Sunday night.
“Local law enforcement provided excellent coverage on all campuses today,” Dr. Seth Miller, superintendent of Westville School District #2, said Monday afternoon.
The school sent a text message to families of students Sunday evening stating it has been made aware of a social media post and had contacted law enforcement. The message told parents, “At this point there is NO credible evidence to substantiate any threats.” It was noted that there would be an increase in police presence at all schools within the district the following day, Monday, Sept. 9.
“Outside law enforcement agencies at the state and federal level have identified a social media post that has been circulating as part of a larger nationwide spam message with only the layout and the city name changed for each message,” Miller said of the post. “Normal school activities will continue to operate as scheduled. Please encourage your student to understand the severity of falsely posting or re-posting a threat. The district will disciple and prosecute such threats to the fullest extent of the law.
“Students should re-engage with our schools as we look forward to a positive next four days.”
The social media post comes just days after a school shooting in Georgia claimed the life of four people, two students and two teachers.
Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued a statement following another tragic mass shooting at an American school. The shooting follows the Labor Day shooting deaths of four individuals riding the Blue Line train in Chicago.
“Once again, we grieve lives needlessly lost to gun violence. On Monday in Chicago, we were shocked by the shooting of passengers riding a train. Today, we are horrified by the shooting of young people at Apalachee High School in Georgia, who were just starting a new school year. My heart goes out to the many families and friends who are impacted by these senseless tragedies. I pray your loved ones’ memories will be a blessing.
“Regardless of where you live, you should be able to ride public transportation without the fear of gun violence. Regardless of where you live, you should be able to send your child to school without the fear that you will receive the call no parent wants to receive.
“Prayers alone will not protect our families or our communities from gun violence. I remain committed to working across jurisdictions and across the aisle on a comprehensive approach to stemming gun violence throughout Illinois.”
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