Police investigate school threats

A social media post threatening schools nationwide, including at least three in Buckeye, has caused upheaval for frightened parents and students.

There have been a couple of versions of the post. The original post Monday evening threatening violence at the school was reported to Buckeye Police Department. A school resource officer found that the school named was not in Buckeye's jurisdiction and reported the potential threat the appropriate department, which was already aware of the issue.

However, another post began circulating that specifically named three Buckeye schools: Buckeye Union High School, a school named only as "Verrado," and Youngker High School.

BPD Public Information Officer Carissa Planalp confirmed the post threatened students younger than high school, too.

"Yes, the vague post we investigated Monday threatened students in lower grade levels," she said. "The version that spread last night was the same vague post with local high school names attached to it."

BPD posted a video this morning with Sgt. Zachary Astrup, who said it appears someone took the original post and modified it to name the specific Buckeye schools. Versions of the post have been shared as far as Ohio and New York, he said.

"We continue to investigate the threats, everything that comes in, we take it very seriously," he said. "We are going out and providing additional police officers and increased patrols as we understand it's not just the schools named that are concerned, but all the schools in the community and we are committed to the safety and security of all the students."

A BPD detective is currently assigned to the case. Watch Astrup's full video here.

Parents of Litchfield Elementary students received the following email yesterday in response to the threat:

This letter is to inform you that the Litchfield Elementary School District is aware of a recent social media post referencing threats to area schools. The Buckeye Police Department is investigating the threat that appears to be linked to a previous non-credible threat. The Buckeye PD confirmed there are various versions of the same post circulating. Out of an abundance of caution, Buckeye PD will have increased presence at our Verrado schools tomorrow while they continue to investigate. Student and staff safety is a top priority for our district. An important part of this effort is to please tell your child that if they see or hear something, say something. Any concerning social media posts or rumors should be reported immediately to the police. We ask that you and your child refrain from sharing or reposting as those actions could interfere with a police investigation and cause disruption to schools."

The Buckeye Union High School District, which includes Younker and BUHS, posted the following alert on its website today: The Buckeye Police Department has found the threats on social media last night to not be credible. The Buckeye Union High School District schools will be open for business as normal today with an increased police presence at our Buckeye schools.

The incident has incited a massive response on social media from parents, students, and community members. BPD's original post regarding the threat has 490 comments and counting.

Many parents said they are pulling their children from school for the time being.

"My Youngker student is not at school and won't be the rest of the week," wrote one parent. "Our kids deserve to be safe."

"I am not sending my kids the rest of the week," wrote another. "Not worth the risk, especially with tomorrow literally being 9/11. Just no."