Police are investigating after a person on Snapchat threatened to shoot teachers next week at a middle school in Gurnee, prompting extra officers to be present at the school.
The threat appeared to have been posted on a Snapchat user’s story, according to a screenshot sent to Lake and McHenry County Scanner.
The person said that they would be “shootings up woodland” on Monday and also made a negative reference toward Woodland Middle School Principal Tiffany Drake.
“Nobody gon stop me from killing everybody at woodland only aiming at teachers no students but if y’all get caught in the crossfire then so be it,” the message said.
The message ended with, “F–k Woodland District 50 Gurnee.”
Woodland District 50 Superintendent Dr. Robert Machak sent a letter to parents on Friday about the situation.
The superintendent said the school district was working closely with the Gurnee Police Department to investigate the threat.
Authorities are working with Snapchat to help identify where the threat originated.
“As unsettling as this kind of a social media post and associated hateful language is, we have a threat process that we follow step by step with the Gurnee Police Department and we are following their guidance,” Machak said.
An enhanced police presence at Woodland Middle School will be in place until the situation is resolved.
“Thank you to those that saw the message and reported it directly to the school district and to local authorities,” Machak said.
The superintendent said keeping students and staff safe is his top priority.
“Today we will provide a calm and supportive environment for students, addressing any concerns they may have in a sensitive manner,” he said.
Social workers and administrators will be available throughout the day on Friday for any student who feels anxious or would like someone to talk to.
The Gurnee Police Department confirmed they were investigating the matter but did not immediately provide further information on whether a suspect had been identified or arrested.